Acne vulgaris associated with a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous island flap

A case is presented of the development of acne vulgaris in the skin island of a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap used for breast reconstruction. The patient had acne scarring of the back but had had no active acne for twenty-five years. The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous island flap is commonly used in breast reconstruction. The development of acne in association with skin flaps has not been described before and we speculate as to its cause.