Patient-centred information
Surgical options and making an informed decision
You should expect to be treated with dignity and respect by your breast care team. You should also be involved in making decisions about your care and treatment, including having time to ask questions and discuss the information that you are given. Your Breast Care Nurse (BCN) should support you with this. You can change your mind about any procedures at any time, and your choice should be respected by your team.
Your surgeon will discuss reconstruction options with you, but this does not mean that this is the surgery you must have. If you are unsure about whether you want to have reconstruction or not, then you can delay your decision until later.
Things to consider:
- How you want to look and feel after surgery.
- The different ways breast shape can be created, including with reconstruction, or wearing prostheses under your clothes.
- How long the recovery time will be.
- Possible complications post-surgery.
- If you need to delay reconstruction.
Questions you may want to ask your breast care team:
- What scars will I have? Where will they be and what size?
- Will you make sure I am not left with excess skin or ‘dog ears’?
- Can you show me photos of previous mastectomies done by my surgeon?
- Will my wounds be closed with stitches or glue? And, will I have drains?
- Could I wear a bra after the operation?
What to take to hospital:
- Your hospital will give you information about what preparations you need to make for your operation. However, you may find the following tips helpful.
- Front fastening tops, pull on bottoms, and slip on shoes.
- Soft, non-underwired, front-fastening bra if you wish to wear breast forms.
- Baby wipes and dry shampoo.
- Ear plugs, magazines, book, or a tablet.
- Pillows to prop you up whilst sleeping.
- Seat belt cover or small cushion to prevent rubbing.
- Mastectomy pillows and drain bags – some hospitals and charities provide these.
Living without reconstruction
To request copies of this booklet
Flat Friends UK can provide packs of our patient booklet and flyers to hospitals and units across the UK. If you are a healthcare professional and would like to request a pack of booklets to be given to patients for your clinic please email us at: support@flatfriends.org.uk
For all media enquiries please contact: trustees@flatfriends.org.uk
Your New Chest
Your surgeon should have made sure your scars are flat – if this is the result you have asked for. However, you may be left with excess tissue at the ends of your scars – known as ‘dog ears’; these can be removed with a minor operation later if they bother you.
You may feel anxious about looking at your new chest for the first time, and this is normal as you face the visible signs of the surgery you have had. It can help to speak to someone you are close to about how you are feeling, or you could speak to Flat Friends members who have been through similar experiences to you: you can message us via our public Facebook page Flat Friends UK – Registered Charity 1168730 to join our private groups.