Types of Aesthetic Flat Closures

Aesthetic flat closure is a mastectomy technique that preserves the natural shape and contour of the breast. Unlike traditional mastectomies, aesthetic flat closure provides chest wall reconstruction that maintains the breast mound and avoids the concave, “sunken” appearance that mastectomy can sometimes create.

If you’ve decided to go flat, the most important consideration you’ll need to take before undergoing surgery is where you want your scars to lie. There are several types of aesthetic flat closure, providing patients with plenty of options in achieving their preferred result. By understanding the different incision patterns available, you can work with your surgeon to choose the optimal aesthetic approach.

What is Aesthetic Flat Closure?

Aesthetic flat closure removes breast tissue through specialized surgical techniques that maintain the structural integrity and fullness of the breast area. This adherence to aesthetics is achieved by preserving the native skin envelope and shaping the remaining tissue appropriately during closure.

With aesthetic flat closure, patients can feel confident knowing the final results will mimic the original breast shape as closely as possible. This natural-looking aesthetic outcome is ideal for those who do not wish to undergo complex breast reconstruction.

Aesthetic Flat Closure Incision Patterns

There are several incision techniques that our experienced surgeons use to perform aesthetic flat closures. The right choice for you will depend on factors like your breast size and shape, the tumor location, skin quality, and amount of tissue to be removed. Your satisfaction with your results is our top priority, so our team will guide you in determining the optimal approach. Here are some of the most common techniques:

Short Scar Techniques:

• Periareolar, with the incision around the nipple
• Lateral, in which the incision runs horizontally just above the breast crease
• Inframammary Fold (IMF), for which the incision sits right along the IMF

Vertical Scar Technique:

• Lollipop, where the incision is around the nipple and straight down

Wise Pattern Techniques:

• Standard Wise Pattern, an anchor shape – around nipple, down, and across the IMF
• Extended Wise Pattern, an anchor shape plus lateral extension

Horizontal Scar Technique:

• Bikini, where the incision follows the natural curve of the breast crease and IMF

Understanding Your Options: Pros and Cons of Patterns

Each incision technique has its own set of pros and cons:

• Short scar options allow discreet incision lines but may not be suitable for larger breasts or tumors. The periareolar incision avoids visible scarring but may distort the nipple shape.
• Vertical and wise patterns offer versatility for different breast sizes. However, the longer scars may be a consideration for some patients.
• The bikini incision leaves a hidden but sometimes interrupted scar line. It provides lift and shaping while avoiding vertical scars.

The surgical team at Midwest Breast & Aesthetic Surgery will consider your unique anatomy and goals when advising which aesthetic flat closure pattern is best. The priority is a beautiful, natural result tailored to you.

Surgeons who Perform Aesthetic Flat Closures

Aesthetic flat closure requires meticulous surgical skill and an artistic eye. Not all surgeons perform this specialized technique. At Midwest Breast & Aesthetic Surgery, we’re proud to have a team of experienced breast surgeons in Ohio with proven expertise in aesthetic flat closures.

Optimal results require a surgeon who understands the nuances of preserving natural shape, achieving symmetry, and minimizing scarring. Our team has the experience and training to deliver exceptional results. If you’re considering going flat after a mastectomy, pictures can be useful in envisioning the possibilities. Explore our aesthetic flat closure before/after photos that showcase our surgeons’ abilities.

Avoiding Concavity 

One potential concern with mastectomy is a concave or indented appearance where the breast formerly was. In aesthetic flat closure, surgeons utilize a layered closure approach that reconstitutes the breast tissue and skin envelope to avoid this concavity.

Strategic suturing techniques, scoring of the chest wall, use of mesh or reinforcing materials, and managing fluid buildup prevent the sunken-in look. Our surgeons will craft the closure to optimize the final contour and fullness.

Choosing the Right Path to Aesthetic Confidence with Midwest Breast

The surgeons at Midwest Breast & Aesthetic Surgery have years of combined experience, specifically in aesthetic flat closure techniques. We understand how to work with your unique anatomy to create beautiful, natural-looking results after mastectomy.

If you are exploring aesthetic flat closure, we offer personalized consultations to discuss your options. Together, our Ohio plastic surgery specialists will determine which incision pattern and surgical approach aligns best with your specific goals and needs. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring an exceptional experience. We look forward to starting you on the path to confidence and wellness.