Aesthetic Flat Closure
An aesthetic flat closure (AFC) is a surgical procedure performed after a mastectomy to contour the chest to ensure it is flat. With this procedure, the surgeon removes excess skin, but that’s not all. They can also adjust or rearrange skin and fat, which helps minimize irregularities that might otherwise remain.
Anyone going through a mastectomy can consider an AFC, but it is particularly good for:
- Women who would prefer not to have breast reconstruction
- Women who may have a higher risk of complications with breast reconstruction
- Those who want to avoid additional surgeries and who want to heal more quickly
Aesthetic flat closures have the benefit that they typically heal faster than reconstructions, and they don’t involve adding any synthetic materials to the body. With breast reconstruction, implants may be used, which come with their own risks of complications (such as ruptures).
AFC also has an additional benefit for those with health concerns or trouble with anesthesia: It often requires less time under anesthesia, which means you can get into and out of the surgery more quickly in most cases. An AFC is typically between 30 and 60 minutes of surgical work post-mastectomy, while breast reconstruction can take up to eight hours, depending on the type performed.
“AFC is not about vanity—it’s about dignity. Women should be able to choose the outcome of their mastectomy, and it should be one that reflects their dignity and inherent value.” -Kimberly Bowles, Stage 3, Founder of Not Putting on a Shirt
Learn more about an aesthetic flat closure with Yara V. Robertson, MD, FACS:
Aesthetic Flat Closure FAQs
What Is Aesthetic Flat Closure?
An aesthetic flat closure is a surgery that can be performed after a mastectomy to rebuild the shape of the chest wall once one or both breasts are removed. This surgery removes fat, extra skin, and other tissues in the region, tightening the area to make the chest flat. Without this procedure, breast removal surgery doesn’t typically have skin contouring, which can lead to extra skin and tissue around the chest.
What Is the Recovery Time for Aesthetic Flat Closure?
If you have a mastectomy, aesthetic flat closure surgery can be an option. This type of surgery usually heals within three to four weeks, but some people may find that it takes up to eight weeks to recover.
If you compare the healing time to how long it would take to recover from breast reconstruction, an aesthetic flat closure mastectomy usually takes less time to heal. Additionally, it may have a shorter recovery time, have a reduced risk of complications, and cause less discomfort overall.
Why Choose an Aesthetic Flat Closure?
There are many reasons people choose aesthetic flat closure over breast reconstruction. Some reasons include minimizing time under general anesthesia, reducing recovery time, or simply not wanting to have implants.
“I wanted to minimize my time under general anesthesia and focus on a quick recovery.” — Jennifer, United Kingdom
Is Aesthetic Flat Closure Covered by Insurance?
Aesthetic flat closure is usually covered by insurance. Suppose a group health plan or issuer of group or individual health insurance coverage does cover mastectomies. In that case, it will also have to provide coverage for aesthetic flat closure as a kind of breast reconstruction under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act. Additionally, both Medicare and Medicaid typically cover AFC even though they may not be required to by law.
According to The Society of Surgical Oncology, aesthetic flat closure surgeons should offer AFC to those undergoing the procedure. “Discussion of all options, including flat closure, is vital to guide shared decision making and empower patient choice regarding BRRM [Bilateral Risk-Reducing Mastectomy]…Surgeons should elicit the patient’s preference for reconstruction and offer the option of aesthetic flat closure.”
At Learn Look Locate, we are committed to providing comprehensive information about aesthetic flat closure, empowering breast cancer survivors to make informed decisions about their bodies post-mastectomy. Through these insightful videos, we aim to bridge the gap between patient experiences and medical expertise, fostering a deeper understanding of AFC as a valid and empowering choice.
We invite you to explore these valuable insights and join us in our mission to support breast cancer survivors in their journey toward healing, self-acceptance, and renewed confidence.
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