Going Flat: Why I Ditched My Breast Implants for a Flat Chest
For 22 years, I've been living with small bags of saline water on my chest – a secret I only shared with a handful of close friends. Now, at 56, I'm embracing the freedom of having a flat chest.
Growing up, I was conditioned to value well-shaped breasts as a way to please men and feel attractive. My mom used to test the quality of her breasts by placing a pencil under them, while my dad kept his spare change in a ceramic mug shaped like a woman's breast. These early lessons left me feeling self-conscious about my small chest.
In 2004, I decided to get breast implants at age 34, hoping to boost my confidence and please my then-husband. The 34-year-old me wasn't in a good headspace, but I wish someone had suggested counseling before cosmetic surgery. Now, I see that implants were a misguided attempt to fit an unattainable beauty standard.
Over the years, breast implant removal has become increasingly popular, with demand surging nearly twice between 2017 and 2022. A growing number of women are choosing to ditch their implants for a more natural look.
I initially considered replacing my implants with new ones, but then I opened my mind to permanent removal. It was after talking to Junko Kazukawa, an accomplished distance runner and personal trainer who had undergone a bilateral mastectomy due to breast cancer, that I realized I could be like her – flat and free from the discomfort of artificial breasts.
My explant surgery cost me $5,617, compared to $8,403 for replacing my implants. It left me with smiley-shaped scars under my breasts, but also gave me a sense of liberation.
While some women choose breast lifts or mastectomies along with their implant removal, I opted for a simpler approach. My surgeon, Dr Matthew Swelstad, says that explant surgery is becoming increasingly popular due to the growing trend towards a more natural appearance.
"Size is now less important, but perky remains desirable," he said. "There's more acceptance of differences and women can still be feminine without implants."
As I age, it gets easier to let go of appearance expectations. I remind myself that having a flat chest doesn't define me, but rather the person I've become – strong, confident, and free from the burdens of artificial beauty.
My decision has also inspired others to reevaluate their own choices. Debbie Sironen, an athlete who had her implants removed for psychological reasons, advises younger women: "Don't do it unless you really want to look different." She emphasizes that being happy with one's body is more important than conforming to societal standards.
For now, neither Debbie nor I use prosthetic forms to give the appearance of small breasts filling an A-cup. We're content with our natural bodies and the freedom that comes with embracing them.
As I walk with shoulders back for good posture, I feel a sense of pride and self-acceptance. My chest may be flat, but my spirit is full – and that's all that truly matters.
For 22 years, I've been living with small bags of saline water on my chest – a secret I only shared with a handful of close friends. Now, at 56, I'm embracing the freedom of having a flat chest.
Growing up, I was conditioned to value well-shaped breasts as a way to please men and feel attractive. My mom used to test the quality of her breasts by placing a pencil under them, while my dad kept his spare change in a ceramic mug shaped like a woman's breast. These early lessons left me feeling self-conscious about my small chest.
In 2004, I decided to get breast implants at age 34, hoping to boost my confidence and please my then-husband. The 34-year-old me wasn't in a good headspace, but I wish someone had suggested counseling before cosmetic surgery. Now, I see that implants were a misguided attempt to fit an unattainable beauty standard.
Over the years, breast implant removal has become increasingly popular, with demand surging nearly twice between 2017 and 2022. A growing number of women are choosing to ditch their implants for a more natural look.
I initially considered replacing my implants with new ones, but then I opened my mind to permanent removal. It was after talking to Junko Kazukawa, an accomplished distance runner and personal trainer who had undergone a bilateral mastectomy due to breast cancer, that I realized I could be like her – flat and free from the discomfort of artificial breasts.
My explant surgery cost me $5,617, compared to $8,403 for replacing my implants. It left me with smiley-shaped scars under my breasts, but also gave me a sense of liberation.
While some women choose breast lifts or mastectomies along with their implant removal, I opted for a simpler approach. My surgeon, Dr Matthew Swelstad, says that explant surgery is becoming increasingly popular due to the growing trend towards a more natural appearance.
"Size is now less important, but perky remains desirable," he said. "There's more acceptance of differences and women can still be feminine without implants."
As I age, it gets easier to let go of appearance expectations. I remind myself that having a flat chest doesn't define me, but rather the person I've become – strong, confident, and free from the burdens of artificial beauty.
My decision has also inspired others to reevaluate their own choices. Debbie Sironen, an athlete who had her implants removed for psychological reasons, advises younger women: "Don't do it unless you really want to look different." She emphasizes that being happy with one's body is more important than conforming to societal standards.
For now, neither Debbie nor I use prosthetic forms to give the appearance of small breasts filling an A-cup. We're content with our natural bodies and the freedom that comes with embracing them.
As I walk with shoulders back for good posture, I feel a sense of pride and self-acceptance. My chest may be flat, but my spirit is full – and that's all that truly matters.
so she ditched her implants after 22 yrs thinking it'll boost her confidence but in reality it was just trying to fit an unattainable beauty standard 
I'm glad she made the decision to go flat though, it's all about self-acceptance and loving who you are at this age 
i hope more people consider the costs before making such a big decision 
. Like, who needs the hassle of explant surgery when you can just get some good implants that make you look great? I mean, I've seen some women with implants and they look awesome, not like their breasts are suffocating them or something 
.
. I mean, $5,617 is a pretty steep price tag for a surgery that some people might even regret later on.
. Like, shouldn't we be celebrating our differences instead of trying to conform to some unrealistic beauty standard? But at the same time...I mean, I've seen some really gorgeous women with implants and they look amazing 
.
. Going flat might actually be kinda liberating 
. I mean, think about it - no more worrying about your breasts getting in the way or feeling self-conscious about their shape. It's all about being comfortable in your own skin, right? 
. And now people are actually choosing to remove them? That's just weird 
.
not how much she weighs or looks on the outside. And let's be real, $5k+ for explant surgery ain't cheap 
. And I love that she's inspiring others to do the same - we should all just focus on being our amazing selves without trying to fit into someone else's beauty standards 
, it's like she was living her life according to other people's standards instead of being true to herself. i feel bad for the ppl who went through similar experiences without realizing they had a choice to make them happy 
. explant surgery costs less than replacing implants which is kinda cool 
, and now she gets to walk around with confidence 
. i wish more ppl would be like her and find their own path to self-acceptance 
, instead of trying to fit an unattainable beauty standard