L

L-plasty	Local skin flap, where rhombic geometry is used to close a defect, where direct suturing is not possible. The defect is prepared for the flap by making a rhombic excision, around the element to be removed. Subsequently, a triangular flap is formed in relation to the rhomb. The triangular flap is pulled down to fill the excised area, thereby forming an L. Link: https://plastsurgeon.com/facial-flaps/advancement-flaps/advancement-flaps/
Langenbeck retractor	A surgical instrument, which is used to atraumatically hold the tissue to the side to create a better overview. It can also be used to hold vessels and nerves to the side when operating in close relation thereto. Link: https://plastsurgeon.com/surgical-instruments-2/retractors/
Langers’ line	Natural lines that follow the direction of the collagen fibers in the skin. By surgical incision parallel to these lines, better wound healing and a nicer cosmetic result are ensured. Link: https://plastsurgeon.com/excision-of-facial-tumors/relevant-anatomy/
Latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap	Stem flap consisting of m. Latissimus dorsi and overlying skin. Used frequently for breast reconstruction by turning the flap from the back under the axilla into the chest. It can be made as a muscle-saving or whole muscle flap, depending on the bulk of the flap.
Lentigo maligna	In-Situ cancer based on a birthmark. Found mainly in the older part of the population. In the long term, if left untreated, it can develop into the malignant disorder lentigo maligna melanoma if the basement membrane is pierced by invasive cells. In that case, it’s treated as malignant melanoma. Link: https://plastsurgeon.com/melanoma/types-of-melanoma/
LME (lines of maximal extensibility)	Lines of the skin perpendicular to Langer’s lines. Incisions perpendicular to the LME reduce tension across the cicatrice.
Lipografting/ Lipotransplantation	Extracted adipose tissue is titrated and injected into an area that lacks fullness, for example after breast reconstruction. It can also be used to soften scar tissue. Several studies are currently underway investigating the possibility of isolating stem cells from adipose tissue for injection elsewhere in other disorders.
Lipoma	The benign tumor made up of adipose tissue. Often found subcutaneously and can infiltrate deeper into the muscle tissue.
Liposuction	Fat cells are sucked from the deeper layers of the abdomen, thighs or flanks. Either to reduce fullness locally or for transplanting/grafting and providing fullness elsewhere on the body. Cases using liposuction: Gynecomastia: https://plastsurgeon.com/breast-surgery/gynecomastia-2/ Abdominoplasty: https://plastsurgeon.com/massive-weight-loss/introduction/
Local anesthesia	Fluid often of the amide group (e.g. lidocaine), which by infiltration of the skin relieves the patient’s feeling of pain locally. Several topical analgesics contain adrenaline for the contraction of capillaries, so the effect lasts longer and reduces bleeding.
Local flap	Surgical technique for closure of the defect with tissue in close relation to the defect. The blood supply is often random, and not based on a specific stem.
Lumpectomy	Partial removal of mammary tissue in a woman with breast cancer. A breast tumor below 2 cm can usually be lumpectomized. The procedure is significantly less invasive than mastectomy, as the rest of the mammary tissue, muscle fascia, and overlying skin are preserved.
Lymphoscintigraphy	A non-invasive examination technique that finds the anterior lymph nodes to which the lymph nodes from a specific skin area or mammary gland drain. A radioactive tracer is injected into the skin/chest, afterward, you’re able to follow the lymphatic pathways and identify the anterior lymph nodes (sentinel lymph nodes/sentinel nodes (SN)) and their location. SN can then be found with a geiger counter and extirpated for diagnostics.