Radiotherapy may adversely affect the cosmetic outcome of latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction, particularly if an implant is used, but this is not universal. Patient assessment of their cosmetic outcome may, however, differ significantly from the clinician's view.

Quilting significantly reduced overall seroma volumes after LD breast reconstruction including extended LD, and is recommended in combination with surgical drains.

Existing HRQL instruments are not sufficiently sensitive to detect clinically relevant problems following breast reconstruction.