Implant & LD Flap
Advantages
A very reliable, classic option since the 70s. No microsurgery service required.
Disadvantages
Combines the disadvantages of an implant with the downside of a donor site on the back. Collection of tissue fluid (seroma) is a common complication. In plastic surgery units, the LD flap is only used in salvage situations.
Recovery
3 – 4 hours of surgery
5 – 7 days in hospital
Can take 10 days for drains in the back to finish
Wounds should be well healed in 2 weeks
6 weeks for initial result to settle