Scar Types
Anchor or “Inverted T” Scar: Combines a vertical scar with a horizontal scar (looks like an anchor). Used more in breast reduction or reconstruction, but occasionally appears in certain mastectomy cases.
Curved Scar: Curved along the natural contour of the chest, may follow the old breast crease line. Can provide a more natural look.
Diagonal ScarAngled scar that runs diagonally downward or upward across the chest, often based on breast size, anatomy, or skin removal needs.
Horizontal Scar (Straight-Line Scar): The most common type. Runs horizontally across the chest, often just below the pectoral muscle line. Usually symmetrical and easiest to hide under clothing.
Inframammary Scar: Scar hidden in the natural crease under the breast (if a small fold of skin is preserved). Less relevant in flat closure since the breast mound is removed.
Periareolar Scar: Circular scar around the areola (if nipple-sparing or partial mastectomy is done). Rare with full flat closure.
Vertical Scar: Runs vertically from top to bottom of the chest wall. Less common in flat closure, but sometimes used if skin tension or cancer removal requires it.
Common Mastectomy & Aesthetic Flat Closure Terms
Aesthetic Flat Closure (AFC): A surgical technique after mastectomy where the chest is carefully contoured and smoothed to be flat, with extra skin removed and scars placed thoughtfully.
Chest Wall Contour: The shape and appearance of the chest after tissue and skin are removed and the area is closed.
Chest Wall Contour: The shape and appearance of the chest after tissue and skin are removed and the area is closed.
Delayed Reconstruction: Breast reconstruction done months or years after mastectomy.
Dog Ears: Small folds of extra skin or fat at the ends of a mastectomy scar, which can cause lumps or bulges if not removed.
Drains: Small tubes placed under the skin after surgery to remove fluid and help healing; usually temporary.
Flat Denial: When a surgeon ignores or overrides a patient’s request for a flat closure, leaving extra skin behind.
Hematoma: A collection of blood under the skin that may occur after surgery; usually needs medical attention.
Immediate Reconstruction: Breast reconstruction (implants or flaps) done at the same time as mastectomy.
Lymphedema: Swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid, sometimes after lymph nodes are removed during mastectomy.
Mastectomy: Surgery to remove on or both breast tissue, often used to treat or prevent breast cancer.
Numbness: Loss of sensation in the chest area after nerves are cut during mastectomy; often permanent but varies by person.
Oncoplastic Surgery: Combining cancer removal surgery with plastic surgery techniques to improve cosmetic outcomes.
Physical Therapy (PT): Special exercises and guidance to help restore arm mobility, posture, and reduce risk of lymphedema after surgery.
Prosthetics: External breast forms that can be worn inside a bra or against the chest for shape if desired.
Revision Surgery: A follow-up surgery to improve appearance or fix issues such as unevenness, dog ears, or prominent scars.
Scar Placement: The location and orientation of the surgical scar(s) on the chest; can affect both appearance and comfort.
Seroma: A pocket of clear fluid that can build up under the skin after surgery; sometimes needs draining by the doctor.
Symmetry: How evenly both sides of the chest look after surgery, especially important in double mastectomy.
Tightness: A pulling or stretching feeling on the chest after healing; usually improves with time, stretching, or therapy.
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