​A lumpectomy with chest wall perforator flap reconstruction is a breast-conserving procedure that removes a breast cancer while immediately reshaping the breast using nearby skin and fat from the side or lower chest wall. This technique preserves the natural appearance of the breast, even when a large amount of tissue needs to be removed. It avoids implants, uses your own tissue, and is usually performed as a day or overnight procedure.

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What is a Lumpectomy with Chest Wall Perforator Flap?

 

A lumpectomy removes the breast tumour and a rim of normal tissue to ensure complete cancer excision. In some cases, the defect left behind after tumour removal can cause visible indentation or distortion of the breast.

A chest wall perforator flap reconstruction restores the breast shape using tissue from the side or lower part of the chest — areas such as:

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• LICAP flap (Lateral Intercostal Artery Perforator) – from the side of the chest wall

• AICAP flap (Anterior Intercostal Artery Perforator) – from the area under the breast

• LTAP flap (Lateral Thoracic Artery Perforator) – from the side near the armpit

 

These flaps use skin and fat, but no muscle, to fill the space after the tumour is removed. The result is a natural look and feel, with minimal scarring and faster recovery.

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Before the Procedure

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• You’ll meet your surgeon and anaesthetist on the day of surgery to review the plan and ask any questions.

• Bring your breast imaging and reports if performed outside the hospital.

• Bring your own surgical bra, which you will wear after surgery for comfort and support. The bra should be soft, supportive, and non-underwired.

• You’ll arrive fasting as instructed.

• The tumour and flap donor area will be marked on your skin before surgery, often using an ultrasound to identify the blood vessel (perforator) supplying the flap.

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During the Procedure

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• The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep and pain-free throughout.

• The tumour and a rim of surrounding healthy tissue are removed through an incision designed for both oncological safety and cosmetic appearance.

• Intraoperative imaging (X-ray or ultrasound) confirms the complete removal of the lesion.

• An area of skin and fat from the side or lower chest wall is raised, preserving the underlying muscle.

• The blood vessel (perforator) that supplies this tissue is carefully identified and preserved.

• The flap is rotated or tunnelled into the breast defect to restore shape and symmetry.

• The flap is secured in place and contoured to match the rest of the breast.

• The donor site and breast incision are closed with dissolvable sutures and covered with waterproof dressings.

• Your own surgical bra is fitted before you leave the operating theatre for gentle support.

• The procedure usually takes 2–3 hours, depending on tumour size and flap complexity.

• Most patients stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring.

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After the Procedure

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• You’ll recover in the ward, and most patients go home the same day or the following morning.

• You may have a small drain, which is usually removed before discharge or at your first review.

• Some bruising, swelling, or tightness in the breast or side of the chest is normal and improves within a few weeks.

• Your dressing is waterproof, and you can shower from the day after surgery.

• Continue wearing your own surgical bra day and night for at least two weeks to support the reconstruction and minimise swelling.

• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous upper-body activity for two weeks.

• Driving is permitted after your first postoperative review, once arm movement is comfortable and you’re off strong pain medication.

• Breast contour will continue to mature over time — early irregularity, swelling, or firmness is common and not concerning. The final shape settles over several months.

 

Your pathology results are usually available within 7–10 days and will be discussed at your follow-up appointment.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

 

While this operation is generally safe, possible risks include:

• Bleeding or haematoma

• Infection

• Seroma (fluid collection) under the breast or donor site

• Fat necrosis (small firm areas in the flap)

• Temporary numbness or tightness on the side of the chest

• Partial flap loss (rare)

• Minor asymmetry between breasts

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Benefits of Chest Wall Perforator Flap Reconstruction

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• Preserves the natural breast shape after lumpectomy

• Uses your own tissue (no implant)

• Minimal donor site scarring and low risk of muscle weakness

• Shorter recovery and hospital stay compared to larger flap surgeries

• Excellent long-term cosmetic results with durable volume replacement

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Key Points

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• Combines lumpectomy and reconstruction in a single operation

• Restores breast shape using your own chest wall tissue

• Bring your own surgical bra (soft, non-underwired, supportive)

• You can shower from the day after surgery

• Wear the surgical bra continuously for at least two weeks

• Driving permitted after your first postoperative review

• Breast contour matures gradually; early irregularity is normal

Usually a day or overnight procedure with quick recovery

Why Choose Breast and Wellness Centre?  

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•  Comprehensive Care: Advanced diagnostic tools for accurate and timely results.  

•  Experienced Team: Skilled specialists with extensive experience in breast cancer diagnosis.  

•  Personalised Approach: Tailored diagnostic pathways based on your symptoms and risk factors.  

•  Compassionate Environment: Supportive care at every step of the diagnostic process.