Why are we doing this?
First: this project supports ALL reconstruction options. Modifying your body is a deeply personal decision with many factors. Flat Out is not anti anyone’s personal choice. .
We’re doing this documentary to normalize flat. To try to secure AFC’s place “on the menu” with insurance companies, in legal matters, in plastic surgeon’s skill sets. We want AFC presented to mastectomy patients as a desirable reconstruction choice, with immediate and long term health benefits. Women should feel free to make the best choice for their body, not a societal, gender or sexual expectation.
And while every person’s reconstruction choice should be accepted, misinforming or under-informing patients is not. Thousands of explants (women who’ve had to have their implants removed) were never told about all of the risks. They had no idea the illnesses they developed had anything to do with their implants. No one mentioned they calcify, or grow mold, or cause autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis. Or have to be replaced every 5-7 years, or just…move up to your armpit.
There are huge risks involved with flap surgeries as well. Which is at least more apparent to the patient from their description alone.
For many, the risks are worth it. But if you’ve never been fully informed, if you’re sold a plastic surgeon’s sales pitch about how they’ll just toss the cancerous boobs out and throw some new ones in, you have not been given the chance to make a fully informed—potentially life or death—decision.
We are doing this to help educate, advocate, and normalize flat closure as the beautiful, healthy, empowering reconstruction choice that it is.
