Considering Going Flat? Learn About Aesthetic Flat Closure as a Reconstruction Option
Are you considering going flat after or during a mastectomy? Aesthetic flat closure is considered the gold standard if going flat. It’s important to get multiple opinions when finding your team to make an informed decision. Kim Bowles, President of Not Putting on a Shirt put together a thoughtful list of questions to ask your surgeon about Aesthetic Flat Closure.
Aesthetic Flat Closure Questions to Ask Your Surgeon When Getting Multiple Opinions
1. Have they performed aesthetic flat closures for previous patients? Ask to see photos of their work.
Plastic surgeons usually have photos readily available; general and breast surgeons may not.
2. Will your surgeon(s) be able to complete the job in one surgery, or is it likely that you will face additional surgery?
If it is important for you to be done in one surgery, be sure you find a surgeon who is confident this can be achieved. Your cancer surgeon may bring a plastic surgeon onto the team to plan the incisions or perform the closure.
3. How will your surgeon(s) address any special challenges in your case – for example, very large breasts or obesity?
The surgeon should have a specific, constructive plan to address any special challenges that respect your values and priorities and give you an optimal surgical outcome. For example, if you have a high BMI and it is important to you to have one surgery, your surgeon should have a plan to achieve that for you. If not, it may be time for a second opinion.
4. Should you expect concavity, and how will this be addressed?
Concavity is largely a result of your anatomy and medical history, but your surgeon may be able to employ surgical techniques to minimize it. Note: the “Goldilocks mastectomy” may be an option in your case and this is something to ask about as well.
5. How will they avoid “dog ears”? How far will the incisions extend on the lateral chest to achieve a flat contour?
For example, for patients with a higher BMI, your surgeon may need to extend your incisions farther around towards your back in order to achieve an aesthetic flat closure.
6. A simple incision may be insufficient to create a flat contour. What type of incision will your surgeon use, and why?
Your surgeon may consider using a more complex incision pattern.
7. How will they account for gravity? Will they mark you up in a sitting position either before or during the surgery?
Your surgeon should mark you up pre-operatively in a sitting or standing position so that after they close you up, the tissues will lie flat against your chest wall.
Learn more about how to ask for an aesthetic flat closure at www.NotPuttingonaShirt.org/GoingFlat
Visit Not Putting on a Shirt Facebook Page
){kind=link}
No comment