Going Flat After Mastectomy
“Going flat” after a mastectomy means choosing not to have breast reconstruction and instead having the chest wall closed aesthetically. This decision can be driven by various reasons, such as avoiding additional surgery, reducing recovery time, or personal preference.
Not every woman chooses reconstruction after a mastectomy, and that’s a powerful statement of self-acceptance. Approximately 5-15% of women embrace an aesthetic flat chest closure, each with her own unique reasons. For some, the journey through breast cancer and surgery has been so overwhelming that they desire peace and closure, choosing to move forward without further procedures. Others confidently embrace their beauty without breasts, feeling no need for reconstruction.
The choice to go flat has gained significant visibility and acceptance in recent years, becoming an important part of the conversation around breast cancer treatment options. This empowering decision reflects a deep commitment to self-love and authenticity, r
The choice to go flat has gained significant visibility and acceptance in recent years, becoming an important part of the conversation around breast cancer treatment options. This empowering decision reflects a deep commitment to self-love and authenticity, reminding us all that beauty comes in many forms.
If you’re contemplating this choice, take heart! Engage in open conversations with both your breast and plastic surgeons to ensure your desires and goals are fully understood. This collaborative approach empowers you to create the outcome that feels right for you. Your journey is uniquely yours, make your voice heard. Embrace this opportunity to shape your path forward with confidence and clarity!
Benefits of Going Flat:
- Reduced Surgical Risks: Avoiding additional surgeries and potential complications associated with reconstruction.
- Quicker Recovery: Shorter recovery time compared to those who opt for reconstruction.
- Personal Choice: Some individuals feel more comfortable without implants or reconstructed breasts.
Aesthetic Flat Closure:
This procedure involves reshaping the chest wall to create a smooth, flat appearance. It’s considered the gold standard for going flat and can include techniques like liposuction, tissue rearrangement, and scar revision.
Support and Resources:
- Online Communities: There are advocacy groups and online communities that provide support and information for those who choose to go flat.
- Medical Advice: Consulting with your surgeon and discussing all available options is crucial to making an informed decision.
You may have friends and family who don’t understand this choice, and that’s ok, they don’t need to – only you do! However, be sure to surround yourself with people who do support you in your choice.
Benefits of Going Flat:
- Reduced Surgical Risks: Avoiding additional surgeries and potential complications associated with reconstruction.
- Quicker Recovery: Shorter recovery time compared to those who opt for reconstruction.
- Personal Choice: Some individuals feel more comfortable without implants or reconstructed breasts.
Aesthetic Flat Closure:
This procedure involves reshaping the chest wall to create a smooth, flat appearance. It’s considered the gold standard for going flat and can include techniques like liposuction, tissue rearrangement, and scar revision. BCA recommends getting several consults because this is an art and you deserve the best!
Support and Resources:
- Online Communities: There are advocacy groups and online communities that provide support and information for those who choose to go flat.
- Medical Advice: Consulting with your surgeon and discussing all available options is crucial to making an informed decision.
You may have friends and family who don’t understand this choice, and that’s ok, they don’t need to – only you do!
Empower Yourself Now!
Your Healing ToolKit
Emotional Support is critical to your healing. Even if everything goes smoothly with your treatment a cancer diagnosis is stressful. Reach out to your support network to help you emotionally on a regular basis. A Therapist helps a lot.
And use Duality to fill in the gaps!
References
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Highlights reasons why some women choose to go flat
- WebMD, Gives medical insights on opting out of reconstruction
- BreastCancer.org, Provides insights into aesthetic flat closure