Lumbar Artery Perforator (LAP) Flap Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that uses tissue to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy. This technique has gained popularity recently due to its ability to provide a natural-looking breast reconstruction with minimal scarring. It is particularly suitable for patients with insufficient abdominal tissue for breast reconstruction or who have had previous abdominal surgery.
What is LAP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
The Lumbar Artery Perforator (LAP) Flap is a surgical procedure used for breast reconstruction. It involves taking skin and fat from the lower back “lovehandle” region, shaping into a breast, and transferring it to the breast area. This procedure is specifically designed for women who have undergone mastectomy (removal of the breast) due to breast cancer.
LAP Flap Benefits
LAP flap breast reconstruction is a reasonable choice for patients who desire autologous or natural tissue reconstruction but may have limited tissue in other sites or have had prior abdominal surgery. The LAP Flap procedure has several advantages over other breast reconstruction procedures, including:
- Unlike the DIEP flap procedure, the LAP Flap procedure does not involve dissecting through muscle; vessels in this flap travel between muscle layers, limiting long term morbidity from muscle weakness
- Because the LAP Flap procedure uses your tissue, the reconstructed breast may look and feel more natural than breast implants
- It’s an excellent option for women who have had a tummy tuck but also require breast reconstruction
- Using the “love handles” as the donor site produces beautiful breast projection while slenderizing the waist for a naturally curvier silhouette
Procedure and Recovery
Before the surgery begins, you’ll receive general anesthesia. Dr. Zampell makes an incision in the lower back, just above the buttocks, to remove the skin and fat around the perforator. This leaves a flap of tissue that is used for breast reconstruction.
Dr. Zampell then carefully harvests the flap, preserving the blood supply to the tissue. The flap is then transferred to the recipient site and sutured into place.
After LAP flap breast reconstruction surgery, you may have surgical drains to help remove excess fluid from the surgical site. You’ll need to follow specific care instructions, including taking pain medication, avoiding certain activities, and keeping the surgical area clean and dry. During your initial visit, Dr. Zampell will discuss all postoperative instructions so you know what to expect.
Why Choose Dr. Zampell for Lap Flap Breast Reconstruction?
Dr. Zampell has the expertise and skill to perform complex, intricate microsurgery techniques, such as those needed for LAP flap breast reconstruction. Her extensive background in cosmetic and plastic surgery makes her the best choice because she pairs an artist's eye with surgical precision to create elegant, balanced results of maximum visual appeal.
After graduating from the Ohio State University College of Medicine, Dr. Zampell pursued an elite plastic surgery residency at New York University, followed by a challenging fellowship in the complex field of microsurgery at the University of California Los Angeles. At Ochsner Medical Center in Louisiana, Dr. Zampell partnered with Dr. Robert Allen, a visionary in autologous breast reconstruction. Dr. Allen originally described many perforator-free flap reconstructions, including the DIEP and SIEA flap—techniques that avoid injury to abdominal musculature and reduce donor site complications. Dr. Zampell adopted these techniques and innovations in flap reconstruction to provide some of the most natural breast reconstructions Beverly Hills offers.
When you’re ready to learn more about the LAP flap technique, contact us and schedule your consultation.
