Flatties
You Have Options
Too often, breast cancer warriors are pushed toward reconstruction—even when they don’t want it.
Love Life Braless
We’re bringing visibility, choice, and breaking the silence around aesthetic flat closure.
Our mission:
A vibrant, powerful photoshoot showcasing aesthetic flat closure.
We hope to normalize this beautiful option and celebrate people who choose not to undergo reconstruction. We aim to capture the strength, confidence, and beauty of these incredible survivors.
*Aesthetic Flat Closure (AFC)
A type of surgery that is done to rebuild the shape of the chest wall after one or both breasts are removed.
During an aesthetic flat closure, extra skin, fat, and other tissue in the breast area are removed. The remaining tissue is then tightened and smoothed out so that the chest wall appears flat.
*Officially added to the National Cancer Institute dictionary of Cancer Terms in June 2020
"Nobody told me that going flat was an option."
“Going flat is not just an option, but a fun and sexy one.”
“Leave my f***ing body alone.”
"Stop Trying to Give Me My Boobs Back"
The heart of this project is the personal stories behind each image. The stories of folks
-pressured to reconstruct after mastectomy
-fighting for medical autonomy and respect for choice
-reclaiming their bodies after breast cancer
Resources
-
Not Putting on a Shirt
Advocating for aesthetic flat closure as a valid, supported surgical outcome.
-
Flat Closure Now
Education, advocacy, and support for going flat.
-
Fierce, FLAT, Forward
Private support group for people living flat.
-
STILL
Provide aesthetic flat closure resources for patients and healthcare providers.
-
Stand Tall AFC
The campaign brings aesthetic flat closure to breast cancer events across the globe.
The Models
-
Lara
Diagnosed at 43
Photographed at 57
-
Alea
Diagnosed at 40
Photographed at 44
-
Vanessa
Diagnosed at 31
Photographed at 34
-
Lisa
Diagnosed at 46
Photographed at 47
-
Starr
Diagnosed at 30
Photographed at 41
-
Cameron
Diagnosed at 30
Photographed at 31
-
Amber
Diagnosed at 30
Photographed at 38
-
Emily
Diagnosed at 33
Photographed at 34
Our Team
-
Emily Voreas
-
Diane Villadsen
Photographer
San Francisco photographer known for her vibrant work.
-
Julia Segal
Writer and Researcher
Writing on the topics of life, food, and design from Toronto, Canada.
