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 riskRobyn’s decision to have a mastectomyWhy she had implantsHer decision to remove themFinding the right surgeonReconstruction framing biasThe Australian flat community'Flat' research with Flinders University Resources for this episode:Informed consentBreast Recon 101 Live Q&A video: aesthetic flat closure with Dr Kylie SnookFlat Life Australia Facebook groupFlinders researchNot Putting On A ShirtNot Just a Linear Closure: Aesthetic Flat Closure after MastectomyWhere 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) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.