Breast reconstruction, prostheses and remaining flat

Choosing what to do after surgery for breast cancer is very personal. It is based on what will make you feel most comfortable and confident, and what your surgeon says is possible. If you have had a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery to treat breast cancer, there are surgical and non-surgical options that may appeal to you. Depending on the type of surgery you had and your personal preferences, you can choose from the following options.

Breast reconstruction recreates a breast after all or part of it is removed. A breast can be reconstructed with a breast implant or your own body tissue. This surgery is done by a plastic surgeon.

A breast prosthesis is an artificial breast form. You wear it inside your bra to create the natural shape of a breast.

"Remaining flat" means not having breast reconstruction or wearing a prosthesis after surgery for breast cancer. Choosing not to have breast reconstruction surgery or using a breast prosthesis can also be called "staying flat," "going flat" or "living flat."

Keep in mind that having breast reconstruction or wearing a breast prosthesis is not medically necessary. But if you are struggling with the loss of your breast and changes to your appearance, these options may help you feel more like yourself.

Talk to your healthcare team, family, friends and people who have gone through the same experience about the options available to you after surgery for breast cancer. Based on this information, you can decide what is best for you.