Optimal Surgical Outcomes When Choosing Flat Closure after Mastectomy

[@traceymanzano4015]

Had DMX in Dec 2021 to flat,and I love it!!!!! I do on occasions wear my bra with the breast forms in them to fill out some of my dresses and tops,but for the most part I go flat and Im happy! I only had 1 surgery and that was it! I didnt want implants due to more surgeries and I was too afraid that implants could hide any new tumors if they were to come back. Im not willing to die over breast!

[@DiepCFoundation]

I am happy to hear your flat closure surgery went well and fits your preferences and lifestyle Tracey. Thank you for your comment.

[@mmsdecorator928]

I was diagnosed with breast cancer last week, and made the same decision today. Thank you for writing what you did. It strengthens my confidence in my decision!

[@woody1380]

Do you have a man in my your life or interested in having one or are you a happy single?

[@BradeauxLLC]

Such a great topic Terri. “Aesthetic flat closure” is the right term. So many women opt for this and are very satisfied. These patients should also know that should they ever change their mind 10-20 years down the road, they can still do reconstruction. There’s no expiration date.

[@DiepCFoundation]

Yes, that is what I like to. Great way to put it Brian, "no expiration date".

[@alicias312]

@@DiepCFoundationI had a mastectomy a few weeks ago and delaying reconstruction. At this time, I’m not sure if I ever want reconstruction. Would my plastic surgeon have to go back in and do an aesthetic closure until I make up my mind or does he just not do anything? Or do I already have this? I never bothered to ask as reconstruction was the goal at first.

[@mmsdecorator928]

You are right. It’s your decision. I would choose aesthetic flat closer rather than implants.

[@woody1380]

Why? Don't you prefer having a natural shape?

[@butler140]

After radiation I had breast reduction so that I was symetrical again. No one mentioned the amount of shrinking there'd be from radiation. 9 years later I developed RIAS. I had a mastectomy and an expander was placed, not by my choice. Later a 2nd surgery was needed to remove that and put in the implant, while doing another reduction so that both sides were exactly the same. That didn't happen either. There was nothing about them that were symetrical. One year later I had a recurrence. I had done my research and had opted for AFC and found a surgeon on Not Putting on a Shirt. My surgeon was awesome and I'm totally happy with the results. No emotional turmoil as I had with the other surgeries. I am totally happy with my AFC, but will always wear a shirt (too much tummy)!

[@DiepCFoundation]

NPOAS has great resources for AFC surgeons. I am glad you connected with this organization and very pleased to hear your AFC surgery went well and things are moving forward for you!

[@iluvgypsyrose]

I am a 32 year old BRCA+ woman in the Houston, TX area considering DIEP or aesthetic flat after PBM. If you can direct me to any other helpful resources or organizations specific to TX please let me know. I attend Force meetings occasionally and plan to speak with a peer advisor this month. Thank you Kim and Terri for this informative discussion!

[@DiepCFoundation]

Are you looking specifically for young survivor, BRCA, DIEP, and aesthetic flat closure? I would like to direct you to a closed Facebook Group: DiepCJourney: Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy you can request to join by answering a couple of questions before being approved. Also, Kimberly Bowles, the lady in the video has a nonprofit with a lot of information here: notputtingonashirt.org/ Thank you kindly for your inquiry.

[@wem-c9f]

Interesting video. I think I have a flat closure then. I had a single mastectomy and nipple is removed and I have a horizontal flat scar there now. I was not given much education before my mastectomy. My breast surgeon did ask me if I want to have breast recon but I really was so overwhelmed and frightened and just wanted the cancer out and that was what I told her. She did not even try to educate me further. Today I will have to pay at least 20k for my reconstruction. What a bummer.

[@DiepCFoundation]

I wish this was not the case Aim2B. Did you have this done prophylactically or did you have breast cancer? Perhaps it may be a coding change with insurance that is necessary?

[@wem-c9f]

@@DiepCFoundation With aggressive breast cancer diagnosis that is Her2+ve. If I had opt to do immediate recon with mastectomy i would be paid for. But currently it is considered delayed recon since it has been 6 years since my mastectomy, i am on the lowest priority on the public queue. If I want it fast, it will be privately and will up to 20K for a two phase recon. :(

[@wem-c9f]

@@DiepCFoundation our private health here does not pay for such surgeries cos they would consider this as cosmetic even though i had a diagnosis!

[@JaneBurney]

great prensatation! 0:44 0:46

[@DiepCFoundation]

Thank you Jane.

[@suesokoloski6644]

Awesome information that was displayed I watching this video I hope to be able to learn more with more future videos put out about going flat and the reconstruction of going flat being a bigger woman, that does concern me on my side with the extra skin once I have my double mastectomy is it going to be smooth or am I gonna have just a big old lump of skin there!

[@DiepCFoundation]

Hi Sue. Glad it was helpful. Have you watched the other video on the channel with the title, " Aesthetic Questions to Ask if Going Flat"? You can see it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHayZnxreJJjrJI

[@JennyChuaviriya]

Thank you for sharing your stories. I am a B-cup sized woman and plan to have a double mastectomy. I am 5'4", 148lbs. Is there a decent chance that I may get a mastectomy without a mastectomy revision surgery? Thank you.

[@DiepCFoundation]

I believe that is possible but there is always a chance revision surgery is possible with any breast surgery. If you are planning on aesthetic flat closure without reconstruction it is hopeful you can have one surgery. Express these wishes to your surgeon.

[@wem-c9f]

So that would mean I will still have a scar even if I do a DIEP flap for the mastectomy site.

[@DiepCFoundation]

Yes but if this is a consideration Aim2B, speak with your plastic surgeon about scar placement. Mine are well hidden and I can wear low cut tops and swimsuits. They have faded nicely over time as well for me and my skin type.

[@arthurcharlesrenee]

Hello and happy New year to all. I have had DI EP flap reconstruction. I had informed my plastic surgeon that I didnot want to be large as ai was before. I want a very small mound not even an A cup! He stated I can give you a small B. I said no! Just enough to not be concave. I am a small woman. It was a red flag. But I went ahead. Now! I have a lot of complications afterwards. Is it unusual for women who want to go flat after this surgery? I would like to reverse my surgery or go flat now! It has been almost 2 years now (September, 2020)now since my surgery. Please help! With some information.

[@DiepCFoundation]

You certainly have the option to go flat after reconstruction. Please watch the Foundation video with two microsurgeons who explain questions and topics to discuss for aesthetic flat closure. Hope this helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHayZnxreJJjrJI

[@stephanypasnin1474]

I had a double mastectomy with implants 12 yrs ago. Am about to have them explanted due to them being textured. Now i have to decide whether i go flat or do a diep . Im thinking of just going flat as i dont think my body can handle the other. I have seen stories of peoples chests concaving. Is this normal and happen to everyone.

[@DiepCFoundation]

Stephany, it may be beneficial for you to watch this video on the Foundation channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHayZnxreJJjrJI