The Flat Look Vs Prosthesis (with Pics)
Comments
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Debbie, that was a virtual hug I was giving you for being frustrated. Many ladies get "de-constructed"; some for pain, some for skin reasons, infections, etc. It's your body, sweetie!
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I am wondering if anyone has had a surgeon go back after double mastectomy to even them out, into a better flatness. My surgeon did not take enough from the non-cancer side. I have some deep "wrinkles" due to the lymph node removal. Unfortunately due to my weight, I have side boobs. I don't want anymore major surgery, as I had the misfortune of several blood clots to the lungs 10 days after the dbl mastectomies. I know it is possible with any surgery, but I would like to consider a better chest wall.
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Mel, I had an excision revision. He took some extra skin that seemed to be saggy on the cancer side. My non-cancer side had a modified mastectomy and is nice and smooth. After the revision the surgeon was stunned that it didn't really look like he'd taken anything! Turns out to be LE!!! So, yes, they CAN clean up what they left. I told my surgeon on no uncertain terms was I getting recon so make sure it was flat. Sometimes they leave extra skin if they don't think you know what you want. You CAN get it nice and flat. Mine was done by a general surgeon and I showed two bco sisters my chest and they were amazed at how good and flat it was! They both had breast surgeons!! Go figure....
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Hi Mels,
Given the way you've described your surgery results, including the tissue left under your arms, it sounds as if a lot could be done to remove that tissue plus make your chest more smooth and flat. The procedure is usually referred to as a revision. It would be best to consult a plastic surgeon, and to find one who is willing to work with you even though you're not interested in reconstruction. There have been a number of women on this forum who have had this done and I can't think of a single one who hasn't been happy with her results. Hopefully one or more of them will see your post and share their experience (as barbe already has).
Most revisions are minor outpatient surgical procedures. Hopefully, given your history of bloodclots, the surgery could be done under twilight sleep rather than general anesthesia. I had several wide excisions (lumpectomies) done that way (before I needed a bilateral mastectomy). Not sure if that would alleviate the clot risk somewhat, but it certainly makes for an easier recovery.
I'm concerned that your surgeon didn't take enough from your non-cancer side, if what you meant is that the surgeon didn't remove all the breast tissue. The aim is normally to remove as much breast tissue as possible to minimize the risk of a recurrence (or a new cancer in your non-cancer side). Since you weren't happy with your first surgeon, perhaps you might consider consulting a breast surgeon who would work in conjunction with a plastic surgeon to give you the result you want while removing any breast tissue left by the first surgeon.
A lot to think about but it's very do-able and the procedure itself should be pretty minor.
Barbara
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Linda, we share the same story. As I read your story, I had to recheck whom the author was. I, like you, choose my flat look. It has not yet been 2 months since I has a bilateral mastectomy. My husband and family are very comfortable with my decision. I'm 58 years old. Thank you for sharing. I'm so glad I'm connected to this site.
Warmly,
Patty -
Welcome to the forums Patty! You will find tons of good info and good people here. I have been going flat now for almost 7 years and have no regrets at all with that decision.
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Linda Lou, When you say you go flat, does this mean you wear forms? Sometimes? or mostly never? I am trying so hard to find the new "me" and she is somewhere between wearing forms and ending up in pain, or being flat and still feeling a tad uncomfortable. you have no idea how much your photos help me!
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Crystal, I have rarely worn a prosthesis or form since Dec 2005 and not at all these last 2 years. Right after my bilateral mastectomies I bought a pair of heavy silicone forms and a pair of swim forms. I did not want to wear anything on my chest during radiation though, so basically the forms stayed in their boxes for several months after I bought them. I did wear them to my brothers wedding in 2007 but then put them back in the box! I thought I would use the swim forms in the pool at the YMCA, but realized life was so much easier without them.
Sometime in 2010 I discovered the lightweight microbead forms sold by TLC and decided to try them that summer. I even posted a tutorial here on the forums for how to sew/make your own microbead forms. They really do work well for bilateral ladies, but the truth is, I just decided I didn't want the hassle of having to wear any bra at all. So yes, I now go flat all the time, no bras or forms. I do wear nice snug stretchy tank tops as an undershirt. They provide mild compression to my whole chest and trunk area and I don't have to worry if my top gaps at the neckline when I bend over. With my Lymphedema I am much more comfortable without any bra bands or heavy prosthesis weighing me down.
Now, I will say that I am not much of a fashion girl, so rarely find myself wanting to dress up. Loose tops with decorative necklines, or layering tanks and casual tops with slacks or jeans is about 90% of my wardrobe. Yes I was self-conscious at first, when I started going flat, but I am Sooo over that now! I like the feeling of being in my "own skin", it just seems natural to me. And honestly, once people get used to seeing you a certain way, they just don't think twice about it. I really don't believe most people are all that observant anyway.
The bottom line is what feels right for YOU! There is nothing wrong with going flat when you feel like it, and still wearing forms for that special occasion or any other time you think is appropriate. Don't feel like you have to make a choice one way or the other and stick with it. It's nice we have the option to go either way!
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Crystal, you are still fairly new to being flat and it will take time. I NEVER wanted to wear a bra again so I never got prothesis and was glad I didn't. I delveoped truncal LE and can't imagine the pain a bra would add to my day! I did layer a lot in the beginning as I WAS a fashion plate at work (had to be) but then got braver and will wear a stretch top totally flat. I feel very sexy with slinky fabrics against my whole chest and am sure that the sexiness comes out in my smile...
It was THIS THREAD that gave me the confidence to go flat BEFORE I had my surgery!!! I have a beautiful wardrobe of 'poofy' tops and cute cropped sweaters. I look way slimmer than before and get a lot of comments on my "weight loss" though I still weigh over 200 pounds!! Go figure!! You'll learn to stand a certain way that will suck your tummy in and people truly don't really notice! -
Seeing as it has been brought up, how many of you who go flat wear nothing under the outer layer.
As many know I go back and forth between flat and foobs. In terms of self-consciousness about flat, like LindaLou I am soooo over it. However....... still, depending on the top, I very often still feel the need for a layer between my skin and the outer clothes. I think a combination of factors from having only the softest most breathable fabrics next to my skin, to not wanting to flash a bare skin chest if I leaned over, to just a need for a little extra protection and that may as likely be an emotional need as a physical one. Not to say that I don't walk out the door with only a single layer because I do. Only that I at least have to think about it first.
Barbara
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Barbara, I always wear a snug fitting, sleek tank top under all my outer tops. I agree with you that loose outer tops with no under layer make me feel more exposed. You know, the large floppy arm holes on a sleeveless top can show a lot if you are not wearing anything underneath! Plus having to worry about what is showing everytime I stoop, bend over etc. This is never an issue for me when I am in my own home and not entertaining. In that case anything goes! But I am sensitive to showing surgical skin in public when it is not related to a professional MLD session or other medically oriented event. More so for other people's feelings than my own.
So I think it is both an emotional and physical need for me. My mild truncal LE benefits from the light compression from the tank top and it also gives me that nice comfortable support feeling. As much as I love going bra and prosthesis free I don't think I'm quite ready for the bare chested bathing suit on the public beach yet!
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If I'm wearing a top that could be revealing I usually wear a tank or cami underneath. Sometimes if the top has sleeves so I don't have to worry about what might show through the arm holes instead of a cami I wear a scarf - for instance with a V-neck T-shirt.
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At home I do not wear anything under a tank or T, but do go out, I always wear a snug tank top, for the same reasons others give, to keep the fabric next to me soft, to feel more protected....
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I used to need an under-garment as well. At first it 'protected' my sensitive chest and then for bend-over reasons of flashing skin. Then I got over it one hot summer and have never looked back. I can now wear the flimiest tops ever!!
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I always wear a tank top as well. Its funny to hear others gravitate towards to the same look.... At work, I wear an unbuttoned shirt over it. Maybe I'll button it towards the bottom. I feel like this somewhat camos my flatness. At home, nothing.
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Barb, So are you comfortable if someone sees down your shirt if you bend over? I just wore silicon foobs for 8 hours and I am sore...and even worse i noticed they also fell away from my chest when I bent over.
I need to get over my feelings to please the whole world, so I respect advice in this direction.
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I usually go without anything under my tops. At the beginning I used well fitting sports bras to help calm the nerves at the surgical sites. Now, the only time I wear something, be it a cami or a sports bra, is if I feel my scars show through my top. I am only 3 1/2 months out from surgery and they are still very pink. I love the feeling of not having to wear a bra, especially during hot, humid weather. I can't believe how liberated I feel.
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Thank you. I was 99% sure what I was going to do; now 100%. Thank you!
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crystal, I don't wear a LOT of loose stuff anymore, so bending over isn't an issue. I wear tighter garments, more fitting so they don't gape open. When I do wear something loose, I'm concious, as I was with cleavage, of not showing too much IF I ever even bent over (for why?).
kathindc, don't you just LOVE the sexy feel of soft fabrics against your bare chest?? I fell a LOT sexier now than I did with my big MOOOOOS.
I also like that it's obvious from the back I'm not wearing a bra...gives interest to those who view you...
my back IS my best view as I have a nice booty! -
I have a nice back too, and I have lost almost 10 pounds so yeah me!!! Weight watchers. I need to get some of this belly gone so I feel better about me.
Well, then it makes sense to look at fashion with interesting things happening in back too. I have this open front knit shirt that is some lace in the back, I wear a cami because it does not button, but i feel very good in it, the top of my back peeking through the lace.
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THANKS SO MUCH- I will be having - hopefully my final surgery- after my mastectomy w immediate recon - ended up with a staph infection & more surgery to remove implants. That was 4 months ago, I dont care any more about "implants"- Im 55, have a wonderful, supportive husband and family- would just like to live again. There really IS more to life than having breasts. NOt saying its easy, but after losing my brother so unexpectedly a month ago, Id like to enjoy the time I have left making special memories for my kids and g kids. THANKS FOR THE POSTS _ WITH THE PICS-- it has helped reaffirm my decision.
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Hello all, I'm new to this forum but not new to the site. I was diagnosed stage iv from the get go almost 3 years ago. I have not had any surgery but am now scheduled for a mastectomy because of a very painful tumor. They will not be removing any nodes. I am a 38DD and asked my surgeon about being lopsided. She said tha it would not be a problem and a prosthesis should take care of that. I seem to have this real aversion to looking at myself with one breast. It seems like something more symmetrical would be better. My surgeon doesn't like the idea of removing something that isn't damaged and is diswading me from a double. I would love to hear from those of you who have only one well endowed breast and how it has been for you.
Edit to say: I wish I could see the photos but they don't come up on my iPad.
Thank you, in advance, for your stories,
Pat -
Pat, I had one breast removed at first, then lived with it like that for 18 months, then something showed up on the MRI report and I had the other one removed. There was no cancer in my second breast, just precancerous conditions and they gave me no trouble with removing it. It was actually an easier surgery when there was no cancer involved.
Ok, I did not care for myself when I had the one breast, I felt lopsided, the form was way too heavy and it hurt me all the time...yet i didn't feel good about myself to not wear a bra. Clothing seemed tricky to me...but then I am not very talented with fashion.
Now I have to say I am more calm, more relaxed knowing both breasts are gone. My anxiety was through the roof for tests on my remaining breast...so for me, it is working out very well.
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Oh, Pat, you may want to begin a new topic...because there is much discussion about being a "uni" and it might be good to have it's own place. Just a thought.
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I opted to leave one breast. i do use a form in my bra. and for swimmimg i use a lol your gonna laugh but it works great .....i use a puffy bath scrubber.....the kind you buy at rite aid .........you remove the stitching and undo the light weight material.. and put in the pocket part of your bathing suit.....works great and drains the water fast....no heavy form needed. i opted to leave one breast becouse my surgeon mentioned that when you have a mammo its harder to see behind implants.
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eliz, bless your surgeons' little wee heart - he was assuming that you were going to get implants!!!! I had a bilat mast and didn't get recon. It's a LOT easier to see anything now!!
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Frapp, I am basing my answer on your comment of: "I seem to have this real aversion to looking at myself with one breast. It seems like something more symmetrical would be better."
This is how I felt and along with other considerations I opted for a BMX with no recon. I find I have so many options about clothing that I wouldn't have had with a uni, including whether or not to wear prothesis. With 20/20 hindsight, it was the right decision for me. I couldn't possibly guess what is right for you but will offer that if you look at all your options and decide you want a BMX, my advice would be to not let any silly surgeon bully you into something else. If and that couldn't be a bigger "IF" but if you want a BMX, demand it and don't take No for an answer. Whatever your answer, let it come from you and your heart. These decisions are too close to our very core as people to be made by anyone other than ourselves. JMO
Barbara
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I had cancer in one side only but opted for a double mast. Pathology found I had ADHP in the "good" breast so I would have been doing it all again in 6 months or so. Thankfully I had only one surgery to deal with by doing it MY WAY.
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Hi Frapp,
I'm very sorry you're going through this. It's a tough decision, especially since your breasts are large. I was only a B/C cup but opted to have a bilateral mastectomy when a new primary was found in my left breast that required a mastectomy on that side (I'd already had a lumpectomy and radiation on my right breast). My breast surgeon said only a single mastectomy was necessary since the other side had already been treated, but I opted to have both breasts removed and my surgeon was very supportive. I really like the symmetry. I had the same concerns about lopsidedness that you expressed even though I was smaller-breasted than you.
I can understand your surgeon feeling reluctant to remove a healthy breast but on the other hand removing both breasts instead of only one does not involve an enormously more painful or complicated surgery.
Barbara
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Thank you all For sharing your personal experiences.
Erica, I currently go to Boston. My onc is at Dana Farber and the surgeon is the director of surgical oncology at Brigham & Women's Falkner Breast Centre. She came in to see me during my apt with my onc. I may need to talk to her some more. Thank you for letting me know that the recovery is not much more with two.
Pat
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