By continuing to use our site, you consent to the processing of cookies, user data (location information, type and version of the OS, the type and version of the browser, the type of device and the resolution of its screen, the source of where the user came from, from which site or for what advertisement, language OS and Browser, which pages are opened and to which buttons the user presses, ip-address) for the purpose of site functioning, retargeting and statistical surveys and reviews. If you do not want your data to be processed, please leave the site.
The Voice of People With Breast Cancer
Information
Prosthetics & Reconstruction
Living Flat or Asymmetrical
For some women, neither reconstruction nor a prosthesis is an attractive option. Instead they choose to live flat or asymmetrical.
Why live flat or asymmetrical?
“I love being able to go flat, to lie on my stomach at night, to jog without bouncing, no hot boobs in the summer. I don't mind the scars, because to me it's like looking at an old, interesting gnarled and knotted tree. It shows life and strength and survival. Honestly, being flat is better than the original issue!” says one breast cancer survivor.
According to the website Flat and Fabulous, women choose to live flat for several reasons:
- they want to avoid additional surgery
- they want to delay reconstruction until after they have healed from a mastectomy
- they were not informed of the possibility of reconstruction
- they choose reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy but wake up to discover that complications made reconstruction impossible
- they had a reconstruction reversed due to complications
Some women are also not comfortable wearing a prosthetic. Some object to the cost of a prosthetic. Others find the prosthesis to be a cumbersome burden, and living flat or asymmetrical gives them a sense of freedom.
The decision to live flat is a personal choice that only you can make. Before treatment, you may want to research your options which may include making an appointment with a plastic surgeon to find out about your options, including the possibility of living flat or asymmetrical. Learn more about living flat or asymmetrical.
SHARE
Our Stories
Events
Receive updates by email Subscribe Now
About CBCN
CBCN strives to voice the views and concerns of breast cancer patients through education, advocacy activities, and the promotion of information sharing.
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
185 Somerset St. West Suite 318, Ottawa, ON Canada K2P 0J2
Tel: 613-230-3044
Toll-free: 1-800-685-8820
Email Us
