Following a breast cancer diagnosis, Cynthia consulted with Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo to discuss all of her breast reconstruction options.  She wanted to use her own tissue and avoid implants if possible.  Although she was not a candidate for DIEP flap reconstruction (which uses a patient’s lower abdominal tissue), she was a candidate for Latissimus flap reconstruction.  Latissimus flap breast reconstruction uses skin, fat and muscle (latissimus dorsi) from the back, beneath the shoulder blade area. The tissue (“flap”) is brought around to the chest to create a new breast.  Cynthia also chose to have immediate reconstruction.  This means she was able to have her mastectomy and reconstruction performed at the same time.  She shares her experience in this video.