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

Resources for this episode:

• Informed consent
• Breast Recon 101 Live Q&A video: aesthetic flat closure with Dr Kylie Snook
• Flat Life Australia Facebook group
• Flinders research
• Not Putting On A Shirt
• Not Just a Linear Closure: Aesthetic Flat Closure after Mastectomy

Where you can find Luan:

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn

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.

The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.

Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)

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