Guest Blog By Tammy Gunn — Dancer, Author & Breast Cancer Survivor
Let’s get one thing straight: breast reconstruction after a double mastectomy or single mastectomy isn’t about vanity. It’s about wholeness. It’s about looking in the mirror and recognizing the person staring back. It’s about buttoning your blouse without that pang of loss — about feeling like your reflection finally matches your soul.
It’s a deeply personal choice, and nobody’s decision but your own.
For some, breast mound reconstruction after a mastectomy feels empowering. For others, it feels unnecessary. Both choices are equally valid. What matters most is that you choose it — not your doctor, your mother, or society whispering about “normal.” Seriously, what is normal anyway?
Understanding Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
Whether you’ve had a single mastectomy or double mastectomy, you’ll eventually face a decision about whether to pursue reconstruction.
Some women want to recreate the shape of their breasts right away. Others take time to heal first — emotionally and physically — before deciding. And some decide to skip breast mound reconstruction altogether and embrace life flat and fabulous.
Whatever path you choose, your body is your canvas. You deserve clarity and confidence before saying yes to the breast.
Options for Breast Mound Reconstruction: Silicone, Saline, or Flap
Let’s talk options — because when it comes to rebuilding after a mastectomy, knowledge truly is power.
Silicone Implants
Soft, squishy, and the closest thing to pre-surgery “natural.” Silicone implants are popular for a reason, but they do require monitoring with MRI scans every few years to detect silent ruptures — yes, that’s as unsettling as it sounds.
Learn more about silicone vs saline implants from the Mayo Clinic.
Saline Implants
Think of these as water balloons with ambition. In Canada, saline implants aren’t commonly used for breast mound reconstruction after mastectomy, though they are more common in cosmetic procedures. They can feel less natural than silicone — and in my own journey, this option wasn’t even mentioned at the time of surgery.
If you’re considering reconstruction, ask your surgeon about every option available. You deserve to understand what’s on the table.
Flap Surgery
Also called autologous reconstruction, flap surgery uses your own tissue (from your tummy, back, or thigh) to rebuild the breast. The upside? A natural feel, permanent results, and a built-in tummy tuck. The trade-off? Longer surgery, longer recovery, and more scars.
Choosing Between a Single or Double Mastectomy
Whether your journey involves one breast or both, the emotional weight is real. A single mastectomy might leave you wondering about balance and symmetry. A double mastectomy often leads to more extensive reconstruction — but also a sense of visual consistency.
The right choice depends on your diagnosis, personal comfort, and long-term vision for your body. Whatever you choose, remember: reconstruction after a mastectomy is about you, not anyone else’s expectations.
Going Flat After Mastectomy: Flat and Fabulous
Let’s not forget one of the bravest — and most freeing — choices of all: going flat.
Maybe you’re done with surgery. Maybe your body’s been through enough. Maybe you just don’t want to rebuild, and that’s perfectly okay.
Flat is fierce. Flat is fashion. Flat is freedom.
If this path speaks to you, you’re not alone. There’s a vibrant community of flat women redefining beauty and confidence on their own terms. (And bonus: no more underwires. Ever.)
Explore stories of flat empowerment on AskEllyn.ai →
Essential Questions to Ask Before Breast Reconstruction
When it comes to reconstruction after a mastectomy, curiosity is survival. Bring a notebook, a friend, and your boldest lipstick. Ask the hard questions — because informed is empowered.
Here are ten questions I wish I’d known to ask:
- What are my real options?
Not every body can safely support every procedure. Ask what fits your frame, health, and history. - How long is recovery?
If your surgeon says “a few weeks,” smile and ask again. Healing takes months — physically and emotionally. - Will I have sensation afterward?
Many women lose feeling after surgery. I wasn’t prepared for that. Ask about nerve-preserving options before you decide. - What are the risks of implants?
Learn about capsular contracture, infection, rupture, and breast implant illness (BII). - How long do implants last?
Despite marketing claims, implants aren’t lifetime devices. Expect replacements every 15–20 years — maybe longer with new tech. - How will reconstruction affect future imaging?
Post-reconstruction, mammograms or MRIs change. Ask what your new normal looks like. - When can I move, stretch, or dance again?
Movement returns gradually. Be patient — your body is relearning its rhythm. - What’s “revision surgery”?
Breast mound reconstruction can be a process. Touch-ups or adjustments are common. It’s not failure — it’s fine-tuning. - Can I have nipple reconstruction or tattoos?
Yes! Options include surgical nipples or 3D tattoos. Personally, I went with a full chest tattoo — phoenix, flowers, and butterflies — because healing can be beautiful. - What if I change my mind?
You can. Anytime. This isn’t a contract — it’s your body, your call.
Healing Emotionally After Surgery
No matter what you choose — breast mound reconstruction, aesthetic flat closure reconstruction, or something in between — there’s always an emotional layer to healing.
Grief, identity, and the rediscovery of self are all part of the process. A compassionate surgeon will tell you that.
You’ve lost something profound — but you’ve also gained perspective, courage, and resilience. You didn’t ask for this chapter, but you’re writing one hell of a comeback story.
If you’re navigating these emotions, you might find comfort in
AskEllyn’s blog on The Courage to Rest or
The Power of Sharing Your Story.
Tips for Riding the Reconstruction Rollercoaster
💗 Bring backup. Take a friend or family member to appointments — you’ll forget half of what’s said.
💗 Join survivor circles. Nobody gets it like those who’ve lived it.
💗 Don’t rush healing. You’re not lazy — you’re regenerating.
💗 Celebrate milestones. That first shower, first walk, first laugh — they all count.
💗 Ask for help. You’ve been strong long enough. You’re not alone.
Final Thoughts: However You Heal, You’re Whole
Reconstruction isn’t just about rebuilding breasts — it’s about rebuilding trust in your body.
Whether you’re rocking silicone, saline, a flap, or pure scarred bravery, you are whole. You are radiant. You are fierce.
Think about it: you’ve already survived the hardest chapter of your life. Everything after — the reconstruction, recovery, rediscovery — is just bonus footage in your comeback story.
So whether you strut flat, flaunt new curves, or wear your scars like armor, know this:
you’re not “getting your breasts back.” You’re emerging from your cocoon, wings unfurled — a stunning butterfly in full flight.
And if anyone dares call them “fake”?
Just smile and say, “Nope. Custom-built. Limited edition. Just like all of me.”
About the Author
Tammy Gunn is a dancer, author, and breast cancer survivor who shares her honest experiences with reconstruction, resilience, and recovery. Through movement and storytelling, she helps other women embrace their post-cancer bodies with confidence and grace.
Read more survivor stories on AskEllyn.ai.