---
title: "My Body, My Choice: Aesthetic Flat Closure after Mastectomy"
date: 2024-04-26T12:39:00-04:00
author: Kiki Zeldes
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-body-my-choice-aesthetic-flat-closure-after-mastectomy"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# My Body, My Choice: Aesthetic Flat Closure after Mastectomy

In 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. I decided against getting breast implants or other conventional reconstructive surgery. When I woke up from surgery, I was horrified to discover that I was nowhere near flat as agreed. Instead, my surgeon had left 'a little extra' skin, likely because he believed I would change my mind and choose later to get implants...

[Read the full story ](https://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/my-body-my-choice-aesthetic-flat-closure-after-mastectomy/)

SOURCE: Our Bodies, Our Blog • AUTHOR: Kim Bowles • LAST UPDATED: July 21, 2020

![Skinsparingvsflat](data:image/png;base64,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)A skin-sparing mastectomy and a mastectomy with a flat closure are two different procedures. 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ breast cancer](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/breast-cancer)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

Share

[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)

##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Heart Disease: Sex-Related Differences in Presentation and Treatment

Factors such as age, menopause and perimenopause, and breast cancer lead men and women to experience heart health--and heart attacks--very differently. This article explains the connections.

![Hush naidoo jade photography p A0uoltkwao unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Factors such as age, menopause and perimenopause, and breast cancer lead men and women to experience heart health--and heart attacks--very differently. This article explains the connections.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/heart-disease-sex-related)

[ResourcesRead

## Breast Cancer and Environmental Toxins

The incidence of breast cancer is rising faster than hereditary or lifestyle factors can explain. And there is growing evidence that exposure to a range of chemicals and toxins harms our health.

![Toxic household cleaners in front of a cabinet](data:image/png;base64,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)

The incidence of breast cancer is rising faster than hereditary or lifestyle factors can explain. And there is growing evidence that exposure to a range of chemicals and toxins harms our health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breast-cancer-and-environmental-toxins)

[ResourcesRead

## Breast Cancer Risks: Facts & Myths

This resource untangles facts from fictions regarding what are real risk factors for breast cancer, and what aren't.

![A black and white photo of a woman's torso with her hands covering her breasts](data:image/png;base64,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)

This resource untangles facts from fictions regarding what are real risk factors for breast cancer, and what aren't.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breast-cancer-risks-facts-myths)

[ResourcesRead

## Pills for Prevention

What is wrong with a pills-based approach to breast cancer prevention? This BCAction fact sheet describes the efforts to bring drugs to the market to reduce breast cancer incidence in healthy people, and the problems that approach creates.

![A person refusing pills](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADZUlEQVRIiW2W3ZXsNgyD8THqv430kA7S0o5N5IGkpNncOV7t/NggCYCU+PefvyU55bTf9JP5yfeT+fM+P+/78zw/7+fzPJ/38zyf5/m87yefj/Px+ypfZcqWJUniXCBJCv16+fcXf/yhUG5ESex31213gJ2HsCXTn82+YR6rfzvGThgJBJpntTY6f87esxoJGVzQWKAQKcVkdxdQMdZOyhLFpq1abdmoVk0MRV1g4alvQ2MXXViSFt8E05E9WXeMvqi1w1iyuMq0LJhvZe4K6i6r00dGKVlKZkUKuoKNTpdcHyuGixDsxVHXl4zDjwd914HCCiZLWWKetI9wzeoa9ve9phPKYSmLnJADh+3QXz4GKoSt3jaFbKGlra2MfSiycUopnxjgKImgQ9AGybZCx7C7kFUMcgswpA8zueuI6Y4yChKAbCc0oyW1G9HrSFMuLIqcI0mOvF8VFDwCjJQuXcmQczS0twYeqS+DFktt0ASDooTrTjsU4bAzDVlGtrsIL8lsaF/rpK+OocCOGS9UBUpAZtArEUOigp0KiremzqPB9BoqKqKsgygIoChxYKdApJUokBHSau3PpLsN7RlkwwpQQ4KJKZDTKQdyurGbXGlNm5mR5bpqpPVsqSkQkCAikAGcPhU0nXuqmFXove4Z11ru8Q2h7fwgHDSEKrGUQ7YonioJwOvSVvt17QyFXgTPTgWKgN1udkrpJt7IoSoMVuc7/vEmR7NF1SZS/gcavWWQHFKKUEhpBxnUH6A4Gti+q7h2ALblRRgIRLSHRHYM44hDUQS2csk1NnbiPuywCSlTF62hoGsSksPKIBRyOoPoIsoT61h0RuJJv9KOUPbkb2YiVHWoRyWWbIiIVFZakRjl8q3BRb93+rXLuLdzJoCijFsziO6OBAKCcq5rR3Mn768YEpgQtfUgaaCZYDXzRSCXrq0ulE4qDfzLPkVOtW93s7QN2vyMrewkMVzocyIg1h4Sk34PY2v4uU9VW94e1lVBoW9WQyRgAnKdvr0a+uR72XQq2OtIPOLfr+o6E0vTYMefcz6YMTS7Nhydd9Q9S5im2fqArOXvvK0L8jokqUfb1Rxbmh6WO77MPgErbmGvafT1XueB6+DMOcyd9+2I2a9FfKH5+rCPuPfeuBMepP+F2dT1D/8BlC7D7K+LN2kAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

What is wrong with a pills-based approach to breast cancer prevention? This BCAction fact sheet describes the efforts to bring drugs to the market to reduce breast cancer incidence in healthy people, and the problems that approach creates.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/pills-for-prevention)

[ResourcesRead

## What to Do When Someone You Know Has Been Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

What are the best ways to give emotional and practical support to a loved one with a breast cancer diagnosis?

![Older Asian woman with cancer hugs friend](data:image/png;base64,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)

What are the best ways to give emotional and practical support to a loved one with a breast cancer diagnosis?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/support-loved-one-with-breast-cancer)

[ResourcesRead

## An Introduction to Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is both all too common and incredibly individual. Here is Breast Cancer Action's introduction to what we need to know.

![A woman in a pink t-shirt and pink scarf](data:image/png;base64,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)

Breast cancer is both all too common and incredibly individual. Here is Breast Cancer Action's introduction to what we need to know.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breast-cancer-overview)

[ResourcesRead

## Types of Breast Cancer

There are several ways to categorize different kinds of breast cancers. Each helps to give a better understanding of how a specific breast cancer behaves and what treatments are most likely to be effective.

![A woman sits in front of her doctor to discuss her mamogram](data:image/png;base64,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)

There are several ways to categorize different kinds of breast cancers. Each helps to give a better understanding of how a specific breast cancer behaves and what treatments are most likely to be effective.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/types-of-breast-cancer)

[ResourcesRead

## Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

This resource explains the approaches and terms by which we screen for, diagnose, and treat breast cancer.

![BCA What You Need to Know 2](data:image/png;base64,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)

This resource explains the approaches and terms by which we screen for, diagnose, and treat breast cancer.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breast-cancer-screening-diagnosis)