I wanted to go flat, but I also wanted to keep my nipple and areola. I opted for a nipple sparing mastectomy and flap reconstruction because I was informed that it was the only way I could keep my nipple and areola. It seemed to me at the time that what I was asking for was the equivalent of top surgery. Was my assumption wrong? I've often wondered why nipple and areola sparing isn't available as an option for women who want to go flat. It would also be a better aesthetic outcome because the incision line would then be moved to the bottom of the breast which would make the scar less visible.
Thank you for your inquiry and comments. For clarification, did you mean "I opted for NSM and "flat" (not flap) reconstruction? Also, I'm not certain what you mean by "top surgery". To have an aesthetic flat closure with the scar line to "the bottom of the breast along the fold" in a NSM is something the surgeon would have to discuss with the patient. A lot depends on skin laxity, tumor location, size of the nipple/areola complex. You ask great questions. It is certainly a conversation to have with your surgeon for those who are reading these comments.
Reconstruction had been the hardest part. I got an infection in my tubes after my mastectomy. I do not want implants. The expanders my surgeon wants to use have been recalled. It has been a nightmare! I have extra skin and I can not dress, except big baggy t-shirts. I just want to go flat.
It’s certainly a choice and should you decide I hope this video provided some good points to bring up at a consult Starlene. I’m sorry you are going through this.
Im having surgery in 3 weeks to take my implants out after having them for 12 years. I have textured apparently so i want them out. After a lot of thought ive decided to go flat. I dont see how the other options are any good. The flap seems to horrific I dont want more scars on my body. I dont want more complications. Not a lot of good choices
Stephany, going flat is certainly an option. Please check out our other video with a woman who chose this and be sure to ask the aesthetic question if going flat in the video you commented on. The other video title is, "Optimal Surgical Outcomes When Choosing Flat Closure after Mastectomy."
When you mention excess left over do you mean like giant skin tabs and flaps of skin? And are there any images of what can be left on the side? I'm considering going flat. I'm in a conservative country and am quite afraid of it not being ok. The drs here don't usually discuss - they often just tell us.
Great question. Take a look at this video and see if it answers some of your questions. If not, please ask more. What you want is a smooth incision with no residual skin, folds, of indentations left after aesthetic flat closure. ruclips.net/video/B7zrCcUGWbU/видео.html
Thank you for support for flat closure reconstruction! This needs to be known!
mem m You’re very welcome. I agree!
I'd love to chat with you ... why isn't there more support for women who decide to "go flat"?
I wish the doctors gave me options
This is very helpful! So glad I found this. I’ve decided to go flat after mastectomy, and you definitely gave me questions to ask my surgeon.
I wanted to go flat, but I also wanted to keep my nipple and areola. I opted for a nipple sparing mastectomy and flap reconstruction because I was informed that it was the only way I could keep my nipple and areola. It seemed to me at the time that what I was asking for was the equivalent of top surgery. Was my assumption wrong? I've often wondered why nipple and areola sparing isn't available as an option for women who want to go flat. It would also be a better aesthetic outcome because the incision line would then be moved to the bottom of the breast which would make the scar less visible.
Thank you for your inquiry and comments. For clarification, did you mean "I opted for NSM and "flat" (not flap) reconstruction? Also, I'm not certain what you mean by "top surgery". To have an aesthetic flat closure with the scar line to "the bottom of the breast along the fold" in a NSM is something the surgeon would have to discuss with the patient. A lot depends on skin laxity, tumor location, size of the nipple/areola complex. You ask great questions. It is certainly a conversation to have with your surgeon for those who are reading these comments.
Reconstruction had been the hardest part. I got an infection in my tubes after my mastectomy. I do not want implants. The expanders my surgeon wants to use have been recalled. It has been a nightmare! I have extra skin and I can not dress, except big baggy t-shirts. I just want to go flat.
It’s certainly a choice and should you decide I hope this video provided some good points to bring up at a consult Starlene. I’m sorry you are going through this.
Im having surgery in 3 weeks to take my implants out after having them for 12 years. I have textured apparently so i want them out. After a lot of thought ive decided to go flat. I dont see how the other options are any good. The flap seems to horrific I dont want more scars on my body. I dont want more complications. Not a lot of good choices
Stephany, going flat is certainly an option. Please check out our other video with a woman who chose this and be sure to ask the aesthetic question if going flat in the video you commented on. The other video title is, "Optimal Surgical Outcomes When Choosing Flat Closure after Mastectomy."
When you mention excess left over do you mean like giant skin tabs and flaps of skin?
And are there any images of what can be left on the side?
I'm considering going flat. I'm in a conservative country and am quite afraid of it not being ok. The drs here don't usually discuss - they often just tell us.
Great question. Take a look at this video and see if it answers some of your questions. If not, please ask more. What you want is a smooth incision with no residual skin, folds, of indentations left after aesthetic flat closure. ruclips.net/video/B7zrCcUGWbU/видео.html