After getting a mastectomy, many women choose to undergo an additional breast reconstruction procedure with a plastic surgeon. However, plastic surgeons are also skilled experts at a different post-mastectomy procedure known as an aesthetic flat closure.
An aesthetic flat closure is an option for women who have no desire to recreate their breasts after mastectomy and would prefer to have the surgical incisions and tissues sutured back together in a way that reduces scarring and is visually appealing.
When to Consider an Aesthetic Flat Closure
Whether you are BRCA positive and are considering a prophylactic mastectomy, a plastic
surgeon-first consult can help you decide if reconstruction or aesthetic flat closure will best meet your life goals.
Aesthetic flat closure refers to a breast reconstruction technique where a plastic surgeon steps in to suture the tissues back together after the breast surgeon performs the mastectomy operation. Having a plastic surgeon perform an immediate reconstruction allows the patient to reduce recovery time by only having to heal from one surgery instead of a mastectomy and then a reconstruction after time has passed for healing.
Instead of leaving any excess tissue to allow for implants or autologous tissue grafting later, your plastic surgeon will remove any unnecessary skin and suture the incision site together to create a natural-looking and visually appealing flat chest contour with minimal scarring.
Aesthetic flat closures are also an option if you previously had a mastectomy and reconstruction and are unhappy with the results. A plastic surgeon can remove your implants at a later date and perform a flat closure surgery to provide you with relief from any post-surgical complications.
Benefits of an Aesthetic Flat Closure
There are many benefits to choosing an aesthetic flat closure for your breast reconstruction.
Another benefit of aesthetic flat closure is that most insurance carriers cover the procedure as a reconstruction option after a medically necessary mastectomy. A mastectomy is considered medically necessary if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer -or- if you are at high risk of developing breast cancer due to family history or genetics. If you have a medically necessary mastectomy, insurance providers who cover the mastectomy are also required to cover your chosen reconstruction surgery, including an aesthetic flat closure.
Plastic Surgeon-First Consults Improve Your Mastectomy and Reconstruction Experience
Whether you undergo a prophylactic mastectomy or a mastectomy after a breast cancer diagnosis, your breast surgeon has one primary goal while operating: remove the cancerous tissue or the tissue at risk of developing cancer. While this is a fundamental goal, it doesn’t consider the woman on the other side of the scalpel. You are more than just tissue and risk.
A plastic surgeon’s job is to help you find a visually appealing outcome after your mastectomy that will improve your quality of life.
For some women, this means:
- with possible adjunct Fat Grafting
For some women, it means an aesthetic flat closure so they can participate in all the activities they love and never have to worry about revision surgeries or breast cancer recurrence.
Some women even decorate their newly flat chests with intricate tattoos to add color and flair.
Whether you opt for a complete reconstruction of your breast mounds or an aesthetic flat closure, caring about how your body looks after a life-changing mastectomy isn’t vanity – it’s being human. A plastic surgeon can help you regain your sense of control and who you were before your mastectomy by helping you decide which reconstruction options will work best for your life.
Harris Plastic Surgery — Your Aesthetic Flat Closure Experts
After a mastectomy, there are more options available than just implant reconstruction. If you are an active woman — or don’t want the hassle or worry of continued follow-up appointments and potential revisions — an aesthetic flat closure could be the best option to fit your life.
Consulting with a plastic surgeon early in your treatment planning can give you peace of mind and expert coordination of your medical care.
Look for a plastic surgeon who:
- Has thorough and up-to-date education and training
- Is known for providing an excellent patient experience
- Is prepared to help you coordinate insurance with a dedicated staff liaison
- Specializes in all immediate reconstruction options for prophylactic mastectomies.
Harris Plastic Surgery has a long history of empowering women to make the decisions that will bring them the most health and happiness throughout their lives.
Bringing Patient Advocacy to Breast Reduction and Reconstruction
Harris Plastic Surgery stands out as one of the best breast reconstruction surgeons in NYC due to our experience, insurance coordination, and total approach to patient wellness.
If you are considering an aesthetic flat closure, we would love to discuss your treatment options today. Contact us online or by phone/text message to schedule your first appointment.
Stephen U. Harris, MD FACS
Dr. Stephen U. Harris is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and recognized expert in breast reduction and reconstruction surgeries, having performed thousands in his career. When it comes to patient care, his philosophy is that every surgery should improve his patient’s overall quality of life, not just their appearance. Dr. Harris stays up-to-date on all the latest advancements in breast augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction and is a recognized innovator in the field. In fact, he was the first surgeon at Good Samaritan Hospital to offer primary prepectoral implant breast reconstruction, as well as secondary prepectoral revision surgery.
Dr. Harris also serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York and is an active staff surgeon (and former Chief of Plastic Surgery) at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, New York.