When there’s not enough abdominal tissue, using tissue from the lower back and flank area can be a great option. A LAP Flap not only preserves the underlying muscles, but also offers the opportunity to improve the contour of the lower back and waist, similar to a body lift. This procedure is one that provides enough skin and fat to create the breast shape you want. So you get a nice, natural curve.
Lumbar artery perforator Flap
The LAP flap requires an advanced understanding of lumbar vascular anatomy and highly specialized microsurgical expertise beyond that required for many more established breast reconstruction techniques. Dr. Stalder offers this specialized approach to expand reconstructive options for patients whose anatomy may not be well suited to more commonly performed free flap procedures. Because the lumbar blood vessels may not reach the chest directly, reconstruction can require an additional vascular graft, carefully connected under microscopic magnification to extend the blood supply and establish circulation to the transferred tissue. This additional step demands meticulous surgical planning and precision. Once blood flow is established, the transferred tissue is carefully shaped to recreate a natural breast contour.The LAP flap offers the opportunity to refine the contour of the lower back and waist. By carefully designing the tissue harvest around each patient's anatomy, the procedure can create a smoother transition from the back to the waist while using tissue that might otherwise be overlooked as a reconstructive donor site. This combination of advanced microsurgical reconstruction and thoughtful donor-site contouring makes the LAP flap a valuable option for appropriately selected patients seeking a natural, implant-free reconstruction.