You may feel relieved to get rid of your cancer but also sad to lose one or both of your breasts. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with going flat. Abstract. my bra size is 34D and need suggestions about the prostheses and bras to use. Jan 4, 2021 · 'Going Flat' After Mastectomy: Patient-Reported Outcomes by Online Survey. June 20, 2022 Care. May 23, 2017. Breast cancer patients who require a mastectomy have more than one option. Results. What you do after surgery to remove breast cancer is a very personal choice. Choosing to remain flat. Planning to do Mastectomy but wanted to go flat without reconstruction. Jun 11, 2022 · Champagne, 53, who opted for flat closure after a 2009 mastectomy, says before 2012 there were only two posts about flat closure on the Breastcancer. Feeling frustrated or down after mastectomy and breast cancer treatment is normal. Johnson MPH 1, Chandler S. ” (March 29, 2022) Studies have suggested that plastic surgery expertise in soft-tissue closure may improve aesthetic outcomes and satisfaction during mastectomy closure, particularly in patients with a body mass index greater than 30; in these patients, it may be more challenging to achieve a cosmetically acceptable flat chest wall. While they found overall satisfaction with the results of participants’ mastectomy surgeries, they did not compare the results of the “flat by choice” women and the “flat. It’s natural to go through a range of emotions after mastectomy. You can even find “brobes,” a bra-and-robe combination, with pockets for drains. " [19] Flat Friends UK can provide packs of our patient booklet and flyers to hospitals and units across the UK. Communicate your decision and your expectations to your surgeon. Others want to avoid having breast implants block doctors’ view of cancer in future mammograms. Go to thelmasboutique. The top two reasons for going flat were wanting a quick recovery and avoiding having a foreign substance—a breast implant—placed in their body. flap. The study, published in the Journal Annals of Surgical Aug 2, 2023 · The decision to forgo reconstruction is also known as “going flat” or “living flat. Six years ago, Kim Bowles had a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Nov 14, 2023 · Support for Going Flat. choice. However, the area will not be completely flat or smooth. Data were analysed using a Keywords Breast cancer, Breast reconstruction, Flat closure, Mastectomy, Decision making, Patient experience, Grounded theory Women’s decision process when actively choosing to ‘go flat’ after breast cancer: a constructivist grounded theory study Anna Paganini1,2,3*, Linda Myrin Westesson2,4, Emma Hansson1,3 and Susanne Ahlstedt Karlsson2,5 Dec 14, 2021 · Almost 14 years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. You may choose to "remain flat," which can also be called "staying flat," "going flat" or "living flat. And this choice is now more visible, thanks to social media and "flat and Aesthetic Flat Closure (AFC) or "going flat" is a type of reconstructive surgery done to rebuild the chest wall shape after a mastectomy for breast cancer or to prevent breast cancer. With a flat closure, the skin remaining after a mastectomy is tightened and smoothed to flatten out the chest wall as much as possible. Eighteen women were individually interviewed, digitally or by telephone, until saturation was reached. Print out or order our “Flat is Beautiful” brochure so Nov 2, 2018 · About 25 percent of double mastectomy patients choose to stay flat after the surgery, and 50 percent of single mastectomy patients do, as well. This procedure can be done at the time of the mastectomy (immediate) or following breast There is a growing community redefining what beating breast cancer and being a woman looks like, not shy about being what they call “flatties. You may choose to be flat. techniques, including. Jan 3, 2021 · Background The Going Flat movement aims to increase awareness and acceptance of mastectomy alone as a viable option for patients. Went in at 9 in the morning, woke up around 4 in the afternoon. This full color, illustrated trifold brochure gives an overview of what aesthetic flat closure is and has a QR code which links to nonprofit educational and peer support May 23, 2017 · Gary D. NPOAS’ Flat Friendly Surgeons Directory Find a patient-recommended surgeon with a proven track record of flat closure for your explant surgery. The National Cancer Institute added aesthetic flat closure to their Sep 28, 2020 · If you choose to go flat, the breast tissue and most of the breast skin is removed, leaving the chest flat or slightly concave. Oct 24, 2018 · A mastectomy tattoo is an artistic tattoo that is drawn on top of the breast area to cover mastectomy scars. The remaining tissue is then tightened and smoothed out so that the chest wall appears flat. However, the psychological impact of going flat is just as important to consider. New findings from a survey of breast cancer survivors reveal that most women who choose to “go flat” rather than undergo breast reconstruction following a Mar 21, 2024 · Going flat after a mastectomy, like any surgical procedure, has complications. This day arose to recognize the choice to go flat (as opposed to having reconstructive breast surgery) following a mastectomy as a valid option for those diagnosed with breast cancer. The article examined how sentiment toward flat closure has changed over time. Special recovery robes, jackets and loungewear items often come with pockets sewn into the top to hold surgical drains. With time, life will begin to feel “normal” to her again, as will your marriage Jun 1, 2021 · It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. Despite growing awareness, many patients report their doctors Managing Concavity. Most mastectomy patients going flat desire a smooth, flat contour with no extra skin and no concavity. The procedure involves the remaining tissues being tightened and smoothened out to Jun 4, 2020 · Going Flat or Reconstruction after Mastectomy. Methods. Mastectomies are breast-removal surgeries used to treat breast cancer. For others, it was a way to regain control. Little is known about motivations and satisfaction with surgical outcomes in this population. “No fake breasts for me Jan 4, 2021 · More information: Jennifer L. They are the most common complication of mastectomy and lymph node removal and can result in pain, healing issues, and delay additional cancer treatments. An aesthetic flat closure may also be done after removal of a breast implant that was used to restore breast shape. Get Directions ». " Older. org Going Flat After Mastectomy. If your feelings aren’t turning around as time passes, consider speaking with a counselor to get help Jul 25, 2017 · While increasingly women are opting to “go flat” after a mastectomy, chances are she’ll soon be getting breast reconstruction surgery and, along with the passage of time, once her breasts are restored she will gradually start feeling better about herself. TRAM. For all media enquiries please contact: trustees@flatfriends. Steps to Take to Protect Your Choice: Communicate Your Decision: “Aesthetic Flat Closure”. edu. H. Areas of concavity result from both your unique anatomy and from the surgeon’s technique. You can search/filter below by: keyword (surgeon’s first or last name, facility they work at, etc. This procedure can be done at the time of the mastectomy (immediate) or following breast Nov 25, 2019 · A procedure that relocates tissue from another part of the woman’s body to create a replacement breast mound, but other women choose not to undergo additional surgeries or may not be candidates for reconstruction. During an aesthetic flat closure, extra skin, fat, and other tissue in the breast area are removed. Nov 1, 2016 · The nascent movement to “go flat” after mastectomies challenges long-held assumptions about femininity and what it means to recover after breast cancer. Methods An online survey was administered to 931 women who had a history of uni- or bilateral mastectomy for treatment of breast cancer or elevated breast cancer risk Apr 1, 2021 · But there was one thing that gave me pause. F 617-667-9711. Shay Sharpe faced pushback from her surgeon after deciding to stay Oct 3, 2022 · Christina Miner, 46, had both breasts removed during a double mastectomy in May 2020. Concavity = a “scooped out” or sunken-in appearance. 1245/s10434-020-09448-9 Cite This Page : Prosthesis. More and more, women are choosing to forego permanent reconstruction after a mastectomy in favor of “going flat. " This means that you choose not to have breast reconstruction or wear a breast prosthesis after surgery for breast cancer. Future progress in this area depends on research aiming to improve surgical Nov 2, 2023 · There has been a recent emphasis to offer women who forego reconstruction after mastectomy a surgically optimized flat closure (aesthetic flat closure (AFC)). Methods A qualitative design, with constructivist grounded theory was used. An explant surgery, or the removal of an implant, is typically followed by an aesthetic flat closure. A beautiful aesthetic flat closure is a gift of healing from provider to patient. These are all compelling reasons to say no to reconstruction. Jan 8, 2024 · Choosing to go flat after a mastectomy . Methods: An online survey was administered to 931 women who had a history of uni- or bilateral mastectomy for Dec 13, 2016 · There is usually no normal sensation in the breast and nipple after reconstruction. It was interesting that a post on 'going flat' was among the most read. Often, women who got implants but did not get nipple reconstruction choose to get mastectomy tattoos. If you would like to speak with someone who had Thoughts about going flat after single side Mastectomy. Explant is the surgical removal of breast implants. To tell us about her personal journey and Aug 16, 2023 · Thus, flat closure after mastectomy has been, and still is, the majority of patients undergoing mastectomy. It's time for my 6th month check up, again. It might be because you: don’t want to have more surgery; want to get back to everyday life as soon as possible Oct 29, 2022 · Patients have a few options, including some that may be overlooked in the rush, such as aesthetic flat closure, also known as “going flat. org message board. This is an option if you've had breast reconstruction after mastectomy or decided not to have breast reconstruction. Cortina MD, MS, FSSO, FACS 1,2, Tzu Flat Friends UK can provide packs of our patient booklet and flyers to hospitals and units across the UK. FEBRUARY 13, 2020. However, factors such as Nov 22, 2022 · Alternatively, you can choose nipple tattooing in place of the extra surgery. Until recently, the prevailing opinion among medical professionals involved in the treatment of breast cancer Oct 6, 2023 · Recovering After Going Flat. “ (Aesthetic flat closure) is a normal, beautiful, healthy option that should be normalized,” Fink said Nov 3, 2016 · Both women survived breast cancer. download. Sep 28, 2020 · The “Going Flat” Movement. After a radical mastectomy with lymph node removal on the right side of my body, I knew that my relationship with clothing would Aug 7, 2022 · Yesterday, October 7th, for example, was Going Flat Day. When a woman undergoes a mastectomy, she usually has two Baker et al. There is a growing community of women who are quote ‘going flat’ after a mastectomy. If you are a healthcare professional and would like to request a pack of booklets to be given to patients for your clinic please email us at: support@flatfriends. The objectives of this study were to evaluate temporal trends in PMBR to ascertain the potential impact of this movement and assess which factors are associated with Jun 14, 2022 · I think there are many reasons for the increased awareness, including people wanting to avoid implants or the recovery from flap surgery, goals of wanting to minimize the number of surgeries needed or the potential for complications from surgery, and more people wonderfully sharing their experience with going flat and pictures of how they look afterwards. A recent Washington Post article shared the experiences of patients who wanted to “go flat” rather than undergoing breast mound reconstruction after mastectomy. Among women < 70, rates of going Mar 29, 2023 · Many women who go flat after mastectomy face the same challenges finding bras, swimsuits, and tops that are supportive and fit correctly. In the first 2 years after the “Going Flat” movement, the number of women going flat after mastec-tomy has stabilized in women < 70 for the rst time in over a decade. Tig talked about it on Late Night with Conan O’Brian and said it was liberating. ”. Satisfaction with outcome and surgeon support for the patient experi-ence were characterized using 5-level scaled scores. Going Flat After Mastectomy. It is time to shift away from considering high rates of PMBR as a surrogate for success. However, some people may require 6-8 weeks to recover. A Patient Education Resource for Clinics. "That's a lot of women," Guthrie says, choosing flat Jan 11, 2021 · Nearly 75% of women surveyed who opted for mastectomy without reconstruction were satisfied with the results. Learn more at: www. Comedian and breast cancer survivor Tig Notaro has done entire sets of her comedy routine topless following her double mastectomy with a flat enclosure. It’s an option not only for those who receive a mastectomy. Instead of opting for reconstruction, she decided to go "flat. Hi, I am 37 years old, diagnosed with DCIS stage 0. Upload my photos and videos. The only time prosthetics may be medically Oct 7, 2020 · Breast cancer survivors make strides in showing the world that ‘going flat’ after mastectomy is 'both beautiful and valid'. Morgan K. Devorah Vester Borenstein received her May 28, 2022 · Breasts can be reconstructed using excess fat, skin, and/or muscle removed from the tummy, hips, back, buttocks or thighs. DOI: 10. org. According to Dr. Melanie Testa, a 47-year-old artist, textile designer Jan 22, 2019 · In the XRAYS review, Juliet's story: No reconstruction is a post-mastectomy option, Juliet’s experience resonated with me. P 617-667-2900. Knitted Knockers: lightweight hand-crafted prosthetics: available at the Coalition or go to knittedknockers. My mastectomy journey began in August of 2003, when my sister called and said, “Well, I’m one of the seven percent of women who get breast cancer under the age of 40. uk. [1] However, some skip the second procedure and "go flat Feb 13, 2020 · Breast cancer survivor decides to 'go flat' following double mastectomy. Recently I saw some analytics about this blog. This is known as "autologous breast reconstruction. 5%) went flat. It involves careful removal of any excess tissue remaining after excision of the glandular tissue, and can also involve contouring of the remaining tissues. Trends in going flat after mastectomy were examined and stratified by age (< 50, 50-69, ≥ 70). Women who go flat may also get tattoos. Oct 22, 2023 · Best mastectomy bras at a glance: Best camisole: AnaOno Cecile Modal Cami, $55. Not Putting on a Shirt: education, advocacy and support: notputtingonashirt. Unfortunately, that’s not always what we get. But these days, more and more breast cancer survivors are choosing to “go flat. 2020; 26 (7):1455–1457. flatclosurenow. 0. Our goal is to support fellow flat closure patients before, during and after their surgery. These can range from infections to blood clots and even bleeding. Nikki Triplett. For some, the choice was driven by a quest for normalcy. These images and videos were submitted by our members to help others who need to make decisions about mastectomy and reconstruction. Given that the national trend has been towards reconstruction, it has been striking that I have been seeing increasing numbers of women who opted, after one or bilateral mastectomies, not to reconstruct. For a myriad of reasons, these women make the choice to stay flat after a mastectomy. The incision will typically run across the middle of the chest. Background: The Going Flat movement aims to increase awareness and acceptance of mastectomy alone as a viable option for patients. Women decide to do this for various reasons. 5%) underwent PMBR and 406,782 (62. 1111/tbj. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Dec 2, 2019 · Breast cancer patients opting to 'go flat. Mar 13, 2017 · Annie Wermiel. ) location (country, region, state, major metropolitan area) surgical specialty category (surgical oncologist, plastic surgeon Sep 28, 2020 · There are steps that you can take to prepare for mastectomy and reconstruction and help with recovery. Women who are flat are still able to wear breast prostheses and mastectomy bras over their Apr 13, 2023 · Fabrics should be soft and breathable since your skin may be sensitive, especially at the surgical site. She said that she was diagnosed with triple Oct 3, 2017 · Depression after mastectomy. Nov 6, 2017 · November 6, 2017. For years, medical professionals have Jan 4, 2021 · January 4, 2021. The tissue around your breasts and arms will be traumatized tissue, which puts out the heat. But many women who choose flat closure do wear prosthetics, some or all of the time. Jae Chun, whose practice is focused exclusively on explant surgery, proper explant also includes complete removal of the scar tissue that forms around the implants (total capsulectomy), and is especially critical in cases where the patient is experiencing symptoms of Apr 19, 2023 · A few resources for those going flat: Thelma’s Boutique: post-mastectomy garments. Find out the benefits, drawbacks, and potential complications of going flat. During that time, there may be restrictions against driving and activities that involve lifting or raising the arms up over the head. I was fairly certain that I wanted to go flat – meaning I would not have breast reconstructive surgery after the mastectomy – but she asserted that “women are just happier if they have reconstruction” and insisted that I meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss my options. Many women opt out of breast reconstruction surgery altogether. If you have an image you’d like to share, please let us know! These photos are organized by surgical circumstance – initial mastectomy, revision, explant (and mastectomy tattoos!) To view Goldilocks mastectomy photos, visit the Goldilocks page. FORCE has created a Post Mastectomy Photo and Video Gallery with images and videos of individuals after mastectomy and reconstruction. While this certainly requires attention to details not previously considered by many surgeons, additional complexity is encountered in performing this procedure in the morbidly obese patient. Aug 18, 2022 · August 18, 2022. They may not need or want to wear a prosthesis or a post-mastectomy "pocketed" bra. According to the American Cancer Society, most people can return to their typical activities after about 4 weeks. Learn why some people choose to go flat instead of having breast reconstruction with tissue flaps or implants after mastectomy. They choose to remain unreconstructed. Faster recovery is a common reason women with breast cancer forgo reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy. Some women find the humor in the absurdity of cancer. Helps your patients understand that going flat – aesthetic flat closure – is a valid, healthy, and beautiful choice. com or call 585-256-2460. ” Some women go flat because they don’t like the idea of having a foreign object surgically implanted under their skin. Lindsey Diaz-MacInnis (BIDMC Communications) 617-667-7372; ldiaz2@bidmc. You might decide that you don’t want to wear a prosthesis or have a breast reconstruction after having a mastectomy. When Noelia Morales was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma at the age of 42, she had her right breast removed as a part of treatment. And while more women are choosing this option from the beginning, other women like Nanette had implants removed years . Explant Brochure Print this out to take with Jul 19, 2023 · ASO Visual Abstract: National Trends in “Going Flat” After Mastectomy Download PDF. “Living flat” usually means that after your mastectomy with flat closure, you don’t wear prosthetics which are external accessories that are worn under clothing to give the appearance of breasts. But for many women, reconstructed breasts help them feel more normal and familiar in the way they look in and Jul 17, 2023 · The “Going Flat” movement became widely publicized in 2016 and provides information and support to women who choose to forego post-mastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR). Your provider may advise against it if: Your skin was damaged during radiation therapy. Just for information, as i see procedure differs, im from Denmark. why participants did not undergo reconstruction: 73. She opted to forgo reconstructive surgery and is now a proud “flattie. When going flat, the overlying breast skin and nipple-areola are also removed, ideally leaving the patient with a Mar 27, 2024 · 7. Im 47 and got diagnosed last november- I used to be a 32G, had my flat closure double mastectomy on april 19th this year. 1245/s10434-020-09448-9. Among survey participants: Most women (74%) mastectomy alone was their first choice. Baker et al, "Going Flat" After Mastectomy: Patient-Reported Outcomes by Online Survey, Annals of Surgical Oncology (2021). For some women, losing their breasts can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety that may require counseling or Introduction to Going Flat After Breast Implant Removal. Having reconstructive breast surgery with or following mastectomy can be very beneficial — for some women. Average recovery time after mastectomy and reconstruction is about 3-4 weeks, but may be up to 6-8 weeks. However, despair or feelings of worthlessness, especially feelings that interfere with your daily life, are signs of depression. Breast J. This is also called going flat. A growing number of women forgoing reconstruction after a mastectomy say they're satisfied with their choice, even as some did not feel supported by their physician, according to a study led by researchers at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. (2021) elicited the reasons. Yet most women who've gone flat have kept their choice under wraps (and baggy T-shirts), opting to create curves using prosthetics or even socks stuffed in a bra. “Going flat” is a term that refers to mastectomy patients who decide to have contouring of the mastectomy skin to have the area flat across the chest wall as an alternative to breast reconstruction (implant or tissue). And for others still, the choice was to “go Flat closure (or “ aesthetic flat closure “) is reconstruction of a smooth chest wall contour post-mastectomy. Nov 28, 2022 · Breast seromas are small fluid collections that can develop in the breast after surgery. Explant Everything you need to know about going flat after explant, including how to find a surgeon, questions to ask your surgeon, and insurance coverage. Ask to see photos of their work. Jun 20, 2022 · Self-Advocacy is Key. Best sports bra: Lululemon Super-Soft Adjustable Front-Wrap Bra, $78. and Latissimus Dorsi, remove muscle from the donor site, which can lead to pain or muscle weakness. Most of this additional complexity revolves Mar 15, 2024 · Objective This study aims to describe a conceptual model that could illuminate the decision process women go through when choosing to go flat on one or both sides due to breast cancer. Devorah with her radiation oncology team at BIDMC: Ingrid Itta, Kimberly Halloran, Melissa Coombs, Brittany Branco and Susie Topp. Breslow, MD, FACS. doi: 10. It may be possible for you to have nipple sparing mastectomy, even if you choose not to reconstruct. Creepy feelings on my numb chest. With different benefits and risks associated with each option, advocates are encouraging patients to take their time in making the right decision for themselves. A breast cancer surgery recovery tip that can help with sleeping after surgery is to wear two lightweight cotton sports bras, and slip a cold pack in between them. Should you choose breast reconstruction or 'go flat'? You've got a choice. After her If you don’t want to have breast reconstruction or use a breast prosthesis after a mastectomy, you can have a flat closure. Additionally, some women who originally had breast reconstruction after their mastectomy may choose to Feb 21, 2022 · A social media survey of women who do not pursue reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer: Characterizing the "Going Flat" movement. Mar 30, 2022 · She and Fink want other women diagnosed with breast cancer to have that same option. An online survey was administered to 931 women who had a history of uni- or bilateral mastectomy for treatment of breast cancer or elevated breast cancer risk without current breast mound reconstruction. harvard. “I knew from the beginning I didn’t want reconstruction,” says Triplett, a 44-year-old Houston resident, who also answers to the name Trip. Use the term “aesthetic flat closure,” which is defined by the National Cancer Institute. Use cold packs to help you sleep. Oct 16, 2020 · Flash forward to 2020. It's not for everyone, though. Going flat is the only viable option for some women, as reconstructive surgery cannot be considered for personal reasons. Fill in your information below to find a patient-recommended (or approved application) flat closure surgeon near you. 13781. Feb 8, 2017 · Patients now have more options after bilateral or unilateral mastectomy procedures. People usually require 3-4 weeks to recuperate from a mastectomy and an aesthetic flat closure. These trends suggest that the social and cultural impact of this movement may have contributed to the stabi-lization of PMBR rates. More women are deciding to “go flat” after breast-cancer surgery instead of having reconstruction or wearing prosthetics. (Note that breast reconstruction can also be Nov 5, 2018 · BreastCare Center. Make sure to ask your surgeon for an "aesthetic flat Even if all goes well, some women need surgery to replace their implants after ten years. It is an option for: Regardless of the type of mastectomy being performed, all mastectomies remove the breast gland. These two friends are “going flat,” a brave move in a world where women are often seen as the sum of their breasts and bodies. And both decided not to undergo breast reconstruction, a surgical process where the shape of the removed breast is rebuilt. " At 35, she Going flat, or choosing aesthetic flat closure, is the decision to remove both breasts and forego reconstruction. Pain after mastectomy can last a long time for 20% to 50% of people. For many patients, it's followed by breast reconstruction surgery. Annals of Surgical Oncology , 2021; DOI: 10. Best post-surgery bra: Athleta Ultimate Zip In order to identify their individual motivators, SDM is crucial and enables individually adapted information about the possible paths after a breast cancer diagnosis. Going flat was the primary choice of most participants (73%). Courtesy of Anna Bonny. 3 min read. Nanette is a breast cancer survivor who is part of a growing trend of women who have joined the Going Flat Movement. Flat Closure Now is a group of badass advocates who came together to shine a spotlight on aesthetic flat closure. Results: 650,983 patients met the inclusion criteria: 244,201 (37. One August morning in 2019, after Jan 8, 2021 · Most Women Who “Go Flat” After Mastectomy Feel Good About the Choice. 7% of their respondents were “flat by. Instead, high rates of satisfaction after mastectomy should be the focus. Overall, going flat after mastectomy typically has a quicker recovery period, less discomfort, and a decreased chance of problems when compared to breast reconstruction. ig gh ai pg lp os jh kq gf rm