Why you should ask about Aesthetic Flat Closure
It is always important to discuss your surgical plan and expectations with your breast surgeon before having a mastectomy. Mastectomies can create chest irregularities or leave excess tissue over the side of the chest known as “dog ears.” Some people may find these post-operative results unsightly or bothersome. When going flat, most of the overlying breast skin and nipple are removed, ideally leaving a uniform, truly flat contour. Results can vary widely depending on a person’s body shape as well as the experience and mindset of your surgeon.
Aesthetic flat closure is a breast cancer surgery done by specialists who have an extra focus on mastectomy techniques. As community innovators, Drs. Henderson and Kollmorgen have been trained in oncoplastic procedures not just for preserving the shape of the breast during lumpectomy and hiding scars during reconstruction but also for patients choosing to go flat after mastectomy. An aesthetic flat closure may also be done after removal of a breast implant that was used to restore breast shape. During an aesthetic flat closure, extra skin, fat, and other tissue in the chest area are removed. The remaining tissue is then tightened and smoothed out so the chest wall looks as flat as possible. To accomplish this goal we use a number of techniques: V-Y plasty, tear drop incisions, waisted tear drop incisions, L-shape incisions or the Goldilocks approach.
Every chest is different so closures are all unique. Balancing your needs and expectations is an import part of your healing and treatment. For those choosing to embark on a flat chest journey here are a few online resources to explore.
Going Flat After Breast Cancer
A recent study found that most women were satisfied with their flat closure results. However, 34% of women reported not receiving adequate information about their surgical options, and 20% did not feel their decision to go flat was supported by their surgeon. Some women even experienced “flat denial” which is when a surgeon denies their patient an agreed-upon flat closure either through negligence or disregard. This type of medical course is something that we at Oregon Surgical Wellness are committed to avoiding. At Oregon Surgical Wellness you have a voice and a choice. We respect the many reasons our patients choose aesthetic flat closure:
- shorter surgery
- faster recovery
- “one and done” surgery
- lower risk surgical complications
- avoiding a foreign body in their body
- no need for muscle or other tissue transfer (flap surgery)
- scars limited to the chest
- breasts that were causing health problems
- easier access to care due to limited plastic surgery coverage