Advocating to 'go flat' after implants
Robyn has the BRCA2 variant and had a risk-reducing mastectomy with implant-based reconstruction in 2019. She experienced side effects that impacted her quality of life and made the decision to have the implants removed and ‘go flat’.
When a plastic surgeon told Robyn that she would look “aesthetically unpleasing”, she knew she had to self-advocate.
Robyn's story is one of courage - to challenge and re-think her own initial reconstruction choice and then to stand up for what was right for her and her health.
Luan and Robyn talk about:
Hereditary cancer risk
Robyn’s decision to have a mastectomy
Why she had implants
Her decision to remove them
Finding the right surgeon
Reconstruction framing bias
The Australian flat community
'Flat' research with Flinders University
Listen to this episode
Links:
Breast Recon 101 Live Q&A video: aesthetic flat closure with Dr Kylie Snook
Not Just a Linear Closure: Aesthetic Flat Closure after Mastectomy
Where you can find Luan:
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
