Understand options for having breast reconstruction or not after mastectomy.
Breast reconstruction and going flat
After mastectomy, people have the option of leaving the chest flat or having reconstruction surgery to replace the shape and form of breasts. The decision to have reconstruction or go flat is very personal, there is no right or wrong choice that fits everyone.
Many types of reconstruction are available, so it is important for people to learn about the benefits and limitations of each alternative before making a decision.
People making decisions about breast reconstruction or going flat after mastectomy can find peer support through the following resources:
- Register for the FORCE Message Boards to connect with others who share your situation.
- FORCE's Peer Navigation Program will match you with a volunteer who shares your mutation and situation and provide you with a free resource guide.
- Contact FORCE volunteers in your area to link to local support groups and other resources.
- Contact the FORCE impact leaders in your area to link to local support groups and other resources.
- Attend a virtual support meeting in your area.
- Read the stories from members of our community.
Below is a list of information and resources related to mastectomy and reconstruction:
- FORCE brochure: Considering mastectomy? Questions to ask your doctor
- FORCE checklist: Mastectomy surgery checklist has an expert-reviewed list of suggestions from other members to help women prepare for mastectomy surgery.
- FORCE's eXaming the Relevance of Articles for You (XRAY) program looks behind the headlines of cancer news to help you understand what the research means for you.
- Book: Breast Reconstruction Guidebook by Kathy Steligo.
- FORCE's Post-mastectomy Photo Gallery has photos of women and men who have undergone mastectomy with and without reconstruction.
- Book: Now What?: A Patient's Guide to Recovery after Mastectomy. This book has answers to the questions of importance to women undergoing mastectomy.
Last updated September 28, 2020