The LD is a muscle in the back that can be moved with overlying skin to the front of the chest and be used for breast reconstruction. It is a good option in delayed reconstruction as it can usually provide enough skin and can be used alone or with an implant depending on the size of breast required.
This 52 year old was treated initially with a left mastectomy and right breast reduction as she was very large breasted. After completing chemotherapy and radiotherapy she had a delayed reconstruction with simple LD (no implant). She than had a nipple reconstruction. The final picture is at 1 year.
A 44 year old lady had a left mastectomy and radiotherapy. 9 months later she had a reconstruction by Mr Floyd using a simple LD (no implant). She then had 2 episodes of lipofilling and a nipple reconstruction. The final picture is at 1 year.
This 36 year old had a right mastectomy and left breast reduction. A year later she had a delayed reconstruction by David Floyd using an LD with an implant. She then had a nipple reconstruction and the final picture shows the result at 4 years.
(Please note that all images are original and un-modified and consent has been kindly given for their use)
| Length of surgery | 3-5 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthetic |
| In-patient stay | 3-5 nights and always in a fully equipped hospital |
| Frequent Complications | Bruising, swelling, numbness, seroma |
| Infrequent Complications | Infection, delayed wound healing, bleeding(haematoma), asymmetry, poor scarring, capsular contracture |
| Recovery | 7-10 days before socialising with friends and family 6-8 weeks off work 1st dressing at 1 week driving 4 weeks return to the gym 6 weeks travel abroad 6-8 weeks |
| Follow-up | as required but usually: 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months |
