2023 Volume 8 Issue 2 Pages 60-66
We use a latissimus dorsi (LD) flap with a silicone breast implant (SBI) for breast reconstruction at our institution. Herein, we report outcomes of six cases that underwent reconstruction with LD flaps, six cases with mini-skin paddle flaps (mini-flaps), and four cases with scarless muscle flaps without skin paddles (muscle-flaps). The patients that received LD flaps with SBI made fewer complaints about implant stiffness. Cases with mini-flaps and muscle-flaps required minimal or no fat dissection; therefore, adipose tissue could be left in the back. These methods avoided donor site complications, such as wound necrosis, and reduced postoperative pain and donor-site seroma.
Mean operative time and blood loss using the mini-flap and muscle-flap with SBI were similar to the LD flap method, suggesting the safety of these methods. However, since the method requires a combination of the implant with autologous tissue, potential complications, such as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, should be considered. We also need to obtain the patient's consent for using an implant.
Use of an LD flap with SBI for breast reconstruction resulted in adequate breast volume with satisfactory esthetic results and avoided donor site complications, especially in cases with a mini-flap or muscle-flap.
