Restore natural breast shape with advanced LAP flap breast reconstruction. This technique uses excess tissue from the lower back to rebuild the breast after mastectomy, offering a soft, natural result without implants. Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs specializes in this innovative approach at New York Group for Plastic Surgery.
Rebuild Your Breast with Lower Back Tissue
The lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap is an advanced autologous breast reconstruction technique that uses skin and fat from the lower back, commonly called the “love handles,” to recreate the breast after mastectomy. Unlike other flap procedures, the LAP flap preserves muscle and helps reduce long-term discomfort or weakness. This technique is ideal for patients who are not candidates for abdominal flaps due to prior surgeries or insufficient tissue. Dr. Jacobs expertly performs LAP flap procedures to achieve natural-looking results.
You May Consider LAP Flap If:
- You have had a previous tummy tuck or abdominal surgery
- You have insufficient abdominal or thigh tissue for other flaps
- You prefer a natural alternative to breast implants
- You want to avoid muscle dissection during reconstruction
- You desire added contouring of the lower back area
- You are seeking long-term, durable reconstruction results
- You are healthy enough to undergo microsurgical procedures
Explore Your Options & Visualize the Results
During your consultation, you’ll meet with Dr. Jacobs, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in microsurgical breast reconstruction. During this visit, Dr. Jacobs will review your history, examine potential donor sites, and discuss your reconstruction goals. If you’ve had previous abdominal surgery or have limited tissue in certain areas, he’ll explain why a technique like the LAP flap may be ideal.
To help you fully understand your results, we’ll use the Vectra XT 3D imaging system to capture ultra-high-resolution images of your chest and body. This device creates realistic simulations of your reconstructed breasts using your anatomy, skin texture, and volume. You’ll be able to “try on” various outcomes and see the projected results of different flap procedures, including the LAP flap. This visual guidance enables you to make a confident and informed decision.
Your LAP Flap Session
Your LAP flap breast reconstruction with Dr. Jacobs begins under general anesthesia. Once you’re comfortably asleep, Dr. Jacobs makes an incision across the lower back, just above the buttocks, to access fat, skin, and the accompanying blood vessels, called perforators, that branch off the lumbar arteries. These vessels run between muscle layers, which means no muscle is removed. Dr. Jacobs carefully dissects the tissue while preserving the vascular connections essential for maintaining flap viability.
Because the lumbar vessels are shorter than in other donor sites, Dr. Jacobs will often harvest additional blood vessels, typically from the abdomen or chest wall, to safely extend the reach and ensure a stable blood supply to the transferred tissue. He transplants the flap to your chest and uses microsurgery to reconnect the arteries and veins under a high-powered microscope. Finally, he shapes the tissue to match your desired breast contour and symmetry.
The Recovery Process After the LAP Flap
Following your direct-to-implant procedure, you can expect moderate swelling, bruising, and tightness in the chest for the first few days. You’ll go home with surgical drains to help prevent fluid buildup—these are usually removed within 1 to 2 weeks. Pain is generally well-controlled with prescribed medication, and most patients can return to light activities within 7 to 10 days.
Dr. Jacobs will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, including how to care for your incisions, monitor drain output, and wear a supportive surgical bra. You’ll need to avoid lifting, pushing, or strenuous upper body activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Follow-up appointments will allow Dr. Jacobs to monitor your healing and ensure optimal results as your body adjusts to the implants. Most patients begin to see final contours within a few months.
The Final LAP Flap Results
As swelling subsides over the first few months, you’ll begin to see the full shape, softness, and symmetry of your reconstructed breast. Because the LAP flap uses your own tissue, the results look and feel natural and tend to age with your body.
You’ll also notice improved contouring in the lower back area, creating a more defined silhouette. Dr. Jacobs’ microsurgical precision ensures long-lasting results with high levels of patient satisfaction.
Why Choose Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs?
Trusted expert in advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction
Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a leading specialist in microsurgical breast reconstruction. With extensive expertise in autologous techniques, such as the LAP flap, he offers patients highly personalized care and natural-looking outcomes. Dr. Jacobs takes a compassionate and collaborative approach, helping you explore every option and designing a surgical plan that aligns with your goals, body, and lifestyle. To learn whether the LAP flap is right for you, schedule your consultation today.
