LAP Flaps

By utilizing donor tissue and excess fat from the lower backs and flanks, also sometimes known as the “love handles”, the LAP flap reconstruction technique enables the patient to enjoy naturally reconstructed breasts, alongside the added bonus of sculpting and toning the donor area. The LAP flap is just one of many autologous techniques offered at the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction.

Breast Reconstruction with the LAP Flap Procedure

In many cases, autologous breast reconstruction is performed with a section of skin, muscle, and fatty tissues, known as a “skin flap,” which is removed from a donor site that is usually located in the lower abdomen. When this procedure is not an option, however, patients interested in breast reconstruction after a mastectomy have a wide range of methods to choose from, here at the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction. Thanks to Dr. Srinivasa’s extensive experience with autologous breast flap reconstruction, the LAP flap is just one of many procedures we offer, enabling you to enjoy natural breast reconstruction utilizing your very own tissues instead of an artificial implant.

If you’d like to learn more about the LAP flap breast reconstruction procedure, or the numerous other techniques we offer for autologous reconstruction, we’re here to help. Simply reach out to our Thousand Oaks or Los Angeles offices and set up your in-person consultation with a dedicated member of our team today.

When to Consider the LAP Flap Procedure

“LAP” stands for lumbar artery perforator, and this procedure utilizes a tissue flap made from skin and fatty tissues that will be harvested from the lower back. This is often the ideal procedure choice for patients who are not well suited to an abdominal flap, or if there is insufficient fatty tissue in the thigh region as well.

Sometimes a previous abdominal surgery—like a tummy tuck, for example—can limit the availability of donor tissue in this area, making the LAP flap procedure a much more viable option. It can also be the case that an abdominal procedure has impacted the blood vessels in the area in a way that makes them unsuitable for transplant, as this is a major component of the autologous procedure.

When you meet with Dr. Srinivasa during your consultation, she’ll make sure that you’re fully aware and informed of your options. You’ll discuss the unique benefits of each procedure, and will work together to ultimately land on the technique that’s best for you.

Why Patients Love the LAP Flap Technique

With autologous, flap-based breast reconstruction, we tend to see incredibly high patient satisfaction rates thanks to the unique “two-for-one” nature of these procedures. Implant-based augmentation and reconstruction are more traditional techniques for rebuilding the bust following a mastectomy, but the autologous approach enables Dr. Srinivasa to avoid many of the potential complications that can come along with the placement of an artificial implant.

Flap-based breast reconstruction brings with it the added bonus of involving your very own tissues. In addition to keeping the procedure safe by avoiding the use of artificial implants, it also enables you to enjoy a softer, more natural feel when you’re enjoying your final results. Additionally, the donor area will be slimmed down significantly, enabling you to enjoy a tighter, more toned appearance in the upper buttocks and lower back, with the LAP flap.

Your LAP Flap Breast Reconstruction

The LAP flap procedure is quite unique, in that the blood vessels in the donor area are relatively short. This makes the procedure a bit more complex than other tissue flap reconstruction procedures, which is why Dr. Dhivya is proud to be offering her extensive levels of expertise.

Skin and fatty tissues will be harvested from the lower back, while additional blood vessels will be removed from the abdomen to extend the reach of the blood vessels harvested from the donor area. Using these vessels, the tissue flap will be moved to the chest wall and attached.

Dr. Srinivasa will expertly form this tissue flap into the size and shape of your desired reconstructed breast before connecting the blood vessels using highly advanced microsurgery. After a brief stay in the recovery area, you’ll recover in the hospital for two to three days.

Your Recovery and Results

After your initial hospital stay, you can expect to spend between six and eight weeks resting and recovering, with significantly restricted physical activity. Most of our patients are able to rejoin their routine within four to six weeks. Every patient is different, so Dr. Srinivasa will give you detailed aftercare instructions, along with a detailed timeline for your recovery trajectory. She will also schedule follow-up appointments with you to make sure that you’re healing nicely.

Autologous, flap-based reconstruction is a revolutionary new way to enjoy reconstructed breasts without the need for an artificial implant. By utilizing your body’s own skin and tissues, Dr. Srinivasa and her team can create natural results that patients truly love. When you’re ready to learn more about what we can do for you here at the Institue for Advanced Breast Reconstruction, simply reach out to our Los Angeles or Thousand Oaks locations and set up your consultation with a member of our team today!

Dr. Srinivasa’s Surgical Expertise

One of the busiest microsurgeons in all of California, Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa has built her practice on strong senses of compassion and empathy, woven together with an unending commitment to the utmost in surgical excellence. The Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction sets itself apart through its singular dedication to breast reconstruction, utilizing the most highly advanced microsurgical techniques possible.

Fellowship-trained in microsurgery and double board-certified in both plastic and general surgery, Dr. Srinivasa brings an exceptionally high level of expertise and experience with autologous breast reconstruction to the table. She’ll work closely with you to help you land on the procedure that is right for, so you can enjoy results that restore your body and your quality of life right along with it.