Breast aesthetics when reconstructing with the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap

The main merits of the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is breast reconstruction are the addition of a muscle as well as a skin component and the speed and efficiency of the reconstruction. Seven salient points in this technique have been discussed and emphasis has been placed on the ideal shape of the skin island. Previously, the shape has been consistently a stereotypical ellipse, but the possibilities of adapting the shape to the specific donor scar and contour of the opposite breast may offer possibilities and had been outlined with drawings and demonstrated on patients.