Any regrets after going flat?

I don’t see a problem with giving fat grafting a go, if you don’t mind having smaller breasts. It’s a less invasive procedure than DIEP with a smaller recovery time, and it’s still your own fat. I also don’t see a problem with going flat. Our breasts don’t define us. It’s really nice if we can still have them in some form, but when it gets too complicated then flat seems nice and simple. 

Hi @Abbydog,
I’m in exactly the same position as you- lopsided with fair sized boob. I’ve put up with it for the last 11yrs. My remaining boob keeps growing and I’ve gone up a few sizes with my prosthesis (size 7 to now 9). It used to be important for intimacy but now we don’t care. I worry that I’ll have discomfort after another mastectomy and it’ll be sometime before I can lie in bed on that side.Ofcourse,there’s the obvious big surgery again.They are the only down sides I can think of. If I can get an aesthetic flat closure and then later on get some fat grafting into the concave areas of my present mastectomy then I reckon I’d be ok with it.I have a girlfriend who’s gone flat and she’s happy she did it. Perhaps we’ll hear from more flatties.

I'm a flattie. Had my bilateral mastectomy in 2017 and have remained flat. I used to be a size 18DD and so to now look (chest wise), a I did at age 12 was a bit of a surprise. I have no regrets whatsoever about remaining unreconstructed and rather enjoy the freedom from having to wear a bra all day. I do wear my prosthetic boobs when going out to the shops in the warmer months, as it's very obvious that I have no boobs. I have a rather pronounced "Buddha Belly" after being on prednisolone for over a decade and so I look rather strange with an unsubstantial top bit and a generous middle bit, with two skinny legs poking out from the bottom. All this lot, and bumbling along with my wheeled granny walker amongst the unsuspecting public is a bit much. Otherwise...I don't bother. In the cooler months, I ditch the plastic and wear a scarf to drape over my front.

I'm about to find out my surgery date and whether or not I will have both breasts removed. For me it is important that they take both as I feel like this will be less traumatic for me that having one remaining breast. Although I understand this is a deeply personal choice and some people feel just as passionately that they only have the cancerous breast removed and retain the 'good' breast. I hope whatever choice you make it works for you xx

Dear TonyaM,
Previously I had thought breast reconstruction as an almost expected progression.
Most of the breast reconstructions require sacrificing other tissues eg fat, skin and muscle.
The mastectomy to go flat is a smaller operation, than most reconstructions.
I'm hoping it will be a little easier, as I wouldn't need an axillary clearance.
The fat grafting is day surgery, and comes with liposuction each time. Although not enough to cure my abdomen entirely.
I'm still considering options. Being flat with bra and prosthesis for outings and special occasions, seems carefree.

Hi @Abbydog,
I opted to go flat 12 years ago after a double mastectomy.  I have never regretted my choice for one minute. The surgery was on Monday, went home on Thursday, drains out on Saturday.  Since then I wear Amoena bras for special occasions, but usually go bra-free most days.  I was a c/D cup before.  Lightweight scarves over tank tops with a shirt/jacket are my go-to items, and there is a real sense of freedom as far as movement is concerned.  The scar is a very fine line across my chest, barely noticeable.  It is very much a personal choice.  I was over 60 and my husband was 100% behind my choice.  I wish you all the best whatever you decide. xx

Flat since Oct 2012 and love it .... 

Thanks ladies, these are my thoughts too. 

I'm a uni-boober @abbydog so not sure if my opinion cuts it.  I don't have any issue with bras other than that I hate wearing them but am in a position where it looks decidedly odd if I go outside the house without one.  If the bra thing is causing you so much difficulty and discomfort, I can't see why you wouldn't get rid of the other boob and it will save the annual anxiety.  Of course, any surgery comes with risks and you may want to think about the style of clothes your favour as women's clothes are often designed to shape around breasts (sounds vain but as an adult you will have developed your style of dress that expresses how you present to the world).  Always two sides, unfortunately, but I think in your position I would probably opt for going flat.

I’m becoming more certain. Thanks