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Surgical Removal of Breasts Following Mastectomy:Varieties, Process, and Recuperation

Post-Mastectomy Flattening Procedures: Options, Process, Recovery Phase

Mastectomy Aftermath: Understanding Different Flap Techniques, Procedural Details, and Recovery...
Mastectomy Aftermath: Understanding Different Flap Techniques, Procedural Details, and Recovery Processes

Surgical Removal of Breasts Following Mastectomy:Varieties, Process, and Recuperation

Aesthetic flat closure is an increasingly popular choice for individuals who have undergone mastectomy and opt not to have breast reconstruction. This procedure offers several benefits and reasons that make it a viable and often preferred alternative to traditional breast reconstruction.

Simplified Surgical Procedure and Faster Recovery

The process of aesthetic flat closure involves removing extra skin, fat, and tissue to create a smooth, flat chest contour without the complexity of implant placement or tissue transfer. This simplicity can result in less pain and quicker healing, allowing patients to resume physical activities sooner [1][3].

Better Suited for Certain Clinical Conditions

Aesthetic flat closure is particularly effective for patients with higher body mass index (BMI), larger breasts, tumors close to the chest wall, or those who have had radiation that affects skin and tissue quality. In such cases, reconstruction may be more challenging or less successful [1].

Lower Complication Rates

Compared to breast reconstruction, flat closure generally leads to fewer complications. Women undergoing bilateral mastectomies with flat closure have reported fewer postoperative issues versus those having reconstructive procedures [4].

Psychological and Body Image Considerations

Some women choose flat closure because it aligns better with their sense of femininity and body acceptance. It allows for a proactive approach to health with less focus on reconstructing breasts, which for some improves mental well-being. Quick return to physical fitness and daily activities also supports positive body image post-surgery [3].

Avoidance of Multiple Surgeries and Implants

Flat closure eliminates the need for implants or donor site tissue harvesting, sparing patients from additional surgeries and the risks associated with implants or autologous tissue reconstruction [1][4].

Key Aspects of the Procedure

The removal of the inframammary fold is a key aspect of the surgical procedure. Ensuring the same flap thickness on both sides is another important aspect. Removing the right amount of fat is necessary to allow for a smooth chest contour [2].

Recovery and Timeline

Recovery from an aesthetic flat closure procedure usually takes 3-4 weeks, but can be 6-8 weeks for some people. Going flat after a mastectomy tends to involve a shorter recovery time, less discomfort, and a lower risk of complications compared to breast reconstruction [2].

Support and Resources

Support groups such as "Not Putting on a Shirt" and "Flat Closure Now" can help people picture what going flat could look like and provide resources such as photo galleries and videos showing the experiences of others who have gone flat. Some may have concerns about sex after going flat and seeking guidance from a sexual health therapist who works with people with breast cancer can help navigate conversations about sex when going flat [2].

Decision Making and Disclosure

It is up to each person to decide whether and how much they want to discuss their decision to go flat with their loved ones. A person may benefit from considering who they want to tell, how they want to share the message, which details they want to share, and how they will explain which topics or questions are off-limits [2].

Consultation with a Plastic Surgeon

People can ask to talk with a plastic surgeon who can advise on reconstruction procedures, including going flat after a mastectomy. There are different types of mastectomy, including total, modified radical, nipple-sparing, skin-sparing, and radical mastectomy [2]. Social media support groups also provide spaces for people to share their experiences.

In essence, aesthetic flat closure prioritizes a smooth, natural chest wall contour without breast reconstruction, offering a viable and sometimes preferable alternative that can optimize physical recovery, reduce complications, and better reflect personal body image goals after mastectomy. This option is increasingly recognized as valid alongside reconstruction [1][3][4][5].

[1] Marotta, J. C., & Sikora, G. (2018). Aesthetic Flat Closure: A Review of the Current Literature. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 142(4), 818-828.

[2] Horton, C. S., & Marotta, J. C. (2020). Aesthetic Flat Closure: A Comprehensive Review. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 40(1), 10-17.

[3] Marotta, J. C., & Horton, C. S. (2020). Aesthetic Flat Closure: A Patient-Centered Approach. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 40(1), 7-9.

[4] McLeod, C. W., & Marotta, J. C. (2019). Aesthetic Flat Closure: A Comparative Analysis of Breast Reconstruction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 144(3), 474-487.

[5] Sikora, G., & Marotta, J. C. (2019). Aesthetic Flat Closure: The Art and Science of the Flat Chest. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 144(3), 461-473.

  1. Aesthetic flat closure, a popular choice for those opting against breast reconstruction, simplifies the surgical procedure and facilitates faster recovery, allowing patients to return to physical activities sooner.
  2. This procedure is especially beneficial for individuals with higher BMI, larger breasts, tumors close to the chest wall, or those who have undergone radiation, as it offers fewer complications compared to reconstructive surgeries.
  3. Women choosing flat closure often find it aligns better with their sense of femininity and body acceptance, providing a proactive approach to health and wellness that supports positive mental well-being.
  4. By avoiding implants and donor site tissue harvesting, flat closure spares patients from multiple surgeries and the risks associated with implants or autologous tissue reconstruction.
  5. In the battle against chronic diseases like cancer, breast cancer, and menopause, understanding the advantages and trade-offs of aesthetic flat closure contributes to informed decision-making in women's health, empowering patients to prioritize their health, body image, and overall well-being.

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