AFC (aesthetic flat closure)

greytdog3

I am one year out from my bilateral mastectomy. I decided that I wasn’t doing any kind of reconstruction and just wanted to get the surgery over with. I am now considering an AFC and wondering if anyone has done this months or year(s) after. What was the process like? Recovery? Any and all advice is welcome

moderators

Hi @greytdog3 ,
* NOTE: Edited to add (aesthetic flat closure in title)

We're glad you reached out. Many people make the decision to "just get through treatment" first, and then find themselves revisiting reconstruction options months or even years later. You're certainly not alone in considering aesthetic flat closure (AFC) after your original surgery.

We hope members who have had a delayed AFC will share their experiences with the process, recovery, and what they wish they'd known beforehand.

If you haven't already, it may also be helpful to meet with a plastic surgeon who has experience with AFC to discuss what's possible based on your healing and goals. They can explain what the procedure might involve in your situation and what recovery may look like.

Wishing you all the best as you explore your options, and we hope you'll keep us posted on what you decide. 💗

maggie15

Hi @greytdog3, I did not have AFC but the breast surgeon who did my oncoplastic lumpectomy is an expert in aesthetic flat closure. From what I understand, if it is a revision surgery how you healed from your mastectomy guides what is done in the second surgery.

There is an organization called Not Putting on a Shirt that publishes a directory of surgeons (both breast and plastic) recommended by members who have had the procedure done. There is a disclaimer at the beginning but it would be a good place to get consultation suggestions for surgeons near you. I hope you can get useful information to help you decide what to do. All the best.

https://notputtingonashirt.org/directory/

greytdog3

maggie15 thank you so much that is actually very useful information.