Forum Discussion

Vix1963's avatar
Vix1963
Member
3 years ago

Going flat

Who has decided to go totally flat after a DMX? 
Did you have a breast surgeon or did you also have a plastic surgeon for an Aesthetic Flat Closure (Afc)?
Decided on flat rather than DIEP or implants as I have lobular breast cancer so chance of Ca returning high
Very nervous that my surgery will be messed up- I’d like the smooth chest like when I was a pre adolescent girl but it’s all up to surgeon  
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    3 years ago
    Hi @Vix1963,
    I went flat 2mths ago.Your aesthetic outcome is probably going to depend on a few factors.ie how much fat you are carrying,where your cancer is located and ofcourse,the skill of your surgeon.Removing both breasts at the same time will give you more symmetry I’d imagine- not so for me. My first bc was in 2003 and I had a left lumpectomy,full node clearance and radiation. It was not deemed an aggressive cancer but it returned in the same spot 7yrs later.I had a mastectomy,chemo and Tamoxifen.I wanted to watch my scar line for fear of another recurrence so didn’t do recon.My remaining breast grew bigger and bigger over the last 12yrs despite my weight not changing. Hence my decision to remove it. My surgeon(of 19yrs)did a great job but I wouldn’t say I’m aesthetically flat. I’ve got abit of a fat flap under the arm. The other side is a dog’s breakfast! I have a concave area and tightness from radiation. I’m still adjusting to my new body shape and navigating bras and clothes etc.Down the track,I might look into whether a plastic surgeon can’tidy’ things up abit ie fill in the concave area and take off the side flap?Can’t face anymore surgery for now but I get it- if you have to go flat,you want to be nice flat.I’m a size 14 and had a size16d remaining breast and I’m 67 so I had realistic expectations.If you are slim and having a double done then I think your aesthetic chances are alot higher.