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Has anyone decided to stay flat instead of doing reconstructive surgery? I am having a double mastectomy 11/19.

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
East Ridge, TN

I have TNBC IDS in my left breast. I felt the pains for 2 years before cancer finally showed up and have been having the same pains in my right breast since last fall. I have very dense, large breast (42G bra the past). I am wondering if the reconstruction surgery is worth the time and pain or if I can deal with being flat after 52 years of having a large bust.

August 23
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Reactions
A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Donna I hope you are doing well. I am a fellow Flattie. I had multiple tumors in my left breast and had a unilateral mastectomy on June of 2025 and because I tested positive for the BRCA2 gene I had the right breast removed this year in January. My chest feels tight every now and then but I massage and do my stretches I'm good. I look like pooh bear but I am happy with the choice I made. Good luck with everything 🥰💕🙏

August 23
A MyBCTeam Member

Thank you @A MyBCTeam Member. I have been thinking about this after seeing someone had posted her pictures and discussed it on Facebook. I don't think I could have been as open on Facebook as the lady. I know it seems like we are all dealing with a lot just to make it through our treatments and the decisions that we have to make for ourselves.
I am also praying for you and all the other people dealing with BC.

August 23
A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Donna, I had the single mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure, at 62, over 7 years ago. Like you I had been overly "blessed" in that department. And guess what, no regrets. I just pop in a prosthetic and roll on with my life! If they told me tomorrow, the other one had to go too, I would only be upset about cancer being back- and no worries about being totally flat! The best of who each woman is, has never been in their bra anyway!! Only you know how you will feel about it- and this is definitely a case of You do You! I will be keeping you in prayers as you navigate through all the info and emotions, to make the best decision for you! Hugs!

August 23
MyBCTeam

First, sending so much strength your way as you prepare for your double mastectomy on 11/19. That's a big step, and it's completely understandable to be weighing all your options carefully — especially after everything you've already been through.

Yes, many people do choose to go flat, and a lot of them are really happy Show Full Answer

First, sending so much strength your way as you prepare for your double mastectomy on 11/19. That's a big step, and it's completely understandable to be weighing all your options carefully — especially after everything you've already been through.

Yes, many people do choose to go flat, and a lot of them are really happy with that decision. One MyBCTeam member shared: "I chose to go flat after removing both breasts. I am very happy about this. It's liberating, easy, and no more surgeries." Going flat (called aesthetic flat closure) has some real advantages worth considering:

- Typically only requires one surgery
- Shorter recovery time — usually several weeks to a month
- Avoids potential complications from implants or tissue reconstruction
- Nearly 75% of women who chose to go flat reported being satisfied with their results

Reconstruction, on the other hand, often involves two or more surgeries and a longer recovery. Given your history of dense, large breasts and ongoing discomfort, going flat could genuinely feel like a relief. One important heads-up: some people have woken up from surgery to find their surgeon left extra skin "just in case" they changed their mind about reconstruction — even when they didn't want that. Make sure to have a very clear, direct conversation with your surgeon beforehand about your wishes.

Reconstruction can also be done later if you ever change your mind, so going flat now doesn't permanently close that door. Talk openly with your care team about what feels right for your body and your life. 💛

August 23

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