Considering Going Flat After Mastectomy: Seeking Input

I didn't go flat. Haven't had my reconstruction yet. Go in next week to find info out. Kinda wishing I just went flat. But I only had mastectomy on left side.

I was originally told that I could have reconstruction after my bilateral mastectomy… However, my surgeon, who I trust implicitly at the last minute, told me that there was too much tissue that needed to be removed on the right side, and there would not be enough tissue to reconstruct at that time that time… She did recommend that the left breast, which had a small lump in it, and it could get by with a lump ectomy, which I strongly opposed, and said, take away the breast tissue that is responsible for feeding these cancers, and leave me flat… But they didn't. They put an implant on the left and for the last six months. I have felt like Humpty Dumpty… This week I went in to see my plastic surgeon and I told him I did not like the options regarding reconstruction. I did not want my body to be cut up and cut and pasted to any degree greater than it is and I can live with a flat chest, because there are a lot of process prosthetics out there that are extremely attractive and work when necessary because I am in my 70s and still working and some dating, I think I'll be just fine with the flat chest and no cancer dot that was my choice and I feel very confident with it… I hope this helps you l

I had left side modified radical mastectomy. Couldn’t do both sides as needed due to a skin infection on torso due to fungating tumors of left breast and surgeon wanted to minimize chance of infection in multiple areas. So now going to have left armpit area “loosened up” and will have right breast removed. I don’t want reconstruction. Not worth the pain or time just to have boobs. Personal choice. Tired of having one breast looking forward to removal. And all the money I’ll save on bras!! lol.

I am going flat after reading the side effects of breast implants I am 71 year old these implants last 10 .

Just a consideration, if you get implants and the cancer returns and radiation is a treatment option, the implants will complicate that. My surgeon says implants and radiation do not okay well together. I guess you get that hardening?

This is such an important decision, and it's completely understandable to weigh all the options carefully. Many people in this community have chosen the flat route and found it empowering, while others have shared that using prosthetics gives them flexibility in how they feel most comfortable day to day. The recovery considerations you mention are definitely valid factors that many community members discuss when sharing their experiences - hopefully others who have been through this decision will chime in with their perspectives to help you think through what feels right for your situation.