latissimus dorsi flap

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A breast reconstruction procedure in which skin, fat, and muscle is taken from the person's abdomen, back, or buttock. The tissue can be detached as a free piece and moved, or it can remain attached as a "flap" and slid under the skin to a new location on the chest. In either case, the tissue is sewn into place as a new breast. The advantage of keeping the tissue flap attached to its original source is that it remains connected to its own blood supply. This increases the chance that the transplanted tissue will thrive and do well in its new location.

Audio contributed by: Katie Couric

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