Tips from Founder Elizabeth Vivenzio…
No Reconstruction
Our Flatter Your Flatness dialogue is dedicated to the courageous women who choose not to reconstruct after mastectomy or choose to “deconstruct” after failed reconstruction. A growing trend in this group is the desire to avoid wearing the traditional type of prosthetic breast forms, which can be heavy, hot, and uncomfortable. Some would rather plump and pouf their chests with ruffled styles and other embellishments.
Those of us who want to break free from reconstruction failures and “go flat” are determined to find fashionable clothing that would plump and pouf their chests in order to avoid having to wear uncomfortable prostheses.
Solution for Contour Challenges: Lightweight Foam Inserts
The old-fashioned notion that breast forms must be heavy to mimic real breasts has gone by the wayside. The most comfortable solution is to use lightweight foam inserts in a loosely-fitted camisole-type bra. When seeking this option, look for camisoles that list “removable pads.” This will enable you to insert the foam form. Occasionally, the opening is small for this purpose. Simply snip some of the opening stiches for more room.
Other contour challenges include:
Unilateral Mastectomy
The ultimate contour challenge after mastectomy is unilateral surgery. This one-breast contour almost forces women to wear prostheses because most are embarrassed or self-conscious of their unevenness. Many styles have enough chest ruffles or embellishments that can camouflage this condition.
Early Expansion Issues
Those in the early expansion process of implant breast reconstruction will feel flat until their “fills” are underway. This period of time is longer for some who have to postpone their fills for various reasons: surgery complications, expander pain, or breast cancer treatments.
Asymmetry after Reconstruction
The final results of breast reconstruction are not always perfect. Many women have asymmetry that forces them to wear a bra just to minimize the unevenness. The problem is that some find it uncomfortable to wear a bra; the compression around the torso or under the reconstructed breasts causes discomfort. That is why loose-fitting camisoles is a more comfortable option.
Asymmetry after Lumpectomy
Asymmetry is also an issue for women after lumpectomy, especially for those who have large areas of their breasts that need to be removed. In this case, lightweight form sold as “post-surgical” have lightweight stuffing that can be adjusted for a custom size.
Naturally Flat
We welcome our naturally-flat sisters to flatter their flatness through the tips we present. We understand how soothing it can be to pouf your breasts to make them appear larger! We look to you as our mentors as we adjust to our flatness. You are like runway models to us, and watching you helps us realize that flat can be fabulous! Thank you for your inspiration and for being role models in living the flat life!