Breast reconstruction is a challenging aspect of plastic & reconstructive surgery. Often patients require radiation after mastectomy and the radiation can have significant changes on the ski and affect its ability to heal. When wounds are not able to heal often it is best to replace the radiated skin with skin from the back that has not been radiated. The latissimus dorsi flap can provide soft durable non-radiated skin to replace the skin on the anterior chest. Wounds are now able to heal as the radiated skin can heal to non radiated skin. Often modest decrease in size of the mammary prosthesis occurs and the new vascularized tissue is less likely to develop as severe a capsular contracture. The first photograph demonstrates before and after latissimus dorsi flap for breast reconstruction. The second photograph demonstrates prior to mastectomy and after chemotherapy. The latissimus dorsi is a helpful flap in the care of breast cancer patient.
