Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending pottery with gold, celebrates imperfections and healing. This philosophy resonates deeply with Farahana Kassam. What began as a personal struggle evolved into an empowering movement. At 45, Farahana is the founder of Flaunt Flat Revolution (FFR), an initiative supporting women with breast cancer in making empowered choices about their bodies.
After being diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in 2020, Kassam faced the shock with resilience. She understood how unresolved childhood trauma and a divorce left their marks of brokenness in her body and spirit. She chose a lumpectomy to rid her body of the cancer. However, in April 2022, the cancer returned to its original spot, and another lumpectomy was not an option. Kassam decided on a double mastectomy.
Initially, Kassam was directed toward reconstructive surgery, but the idea of implants did not sit well with her. She was wary of the risks associated with implants and didn’t have enough body fat for other reconstructive surgeries. Her relationship with her breasts had always been complicated, and she knew that many women faced similar struggles—feeling their breasts were too big, too small, lopsided, droopy, or unable to nurse a baby, and for some women, reminders of sexual trauma.
“A well-informed woman can’t make the wrong decision,” Kassam said.
Her initial doctor wasn’t a good fit, so she sought an alternative. She found a new surgeon who suggested she research Aesthetic Flat Closure—a surgery that reshapes the chest wall after one or both breasts are removed. This procedure involves removing extra skin, fat, and other tissue to create a flat appearance by tightening and smoothing the remaining tissue.
Through social media, she discovered supportive communities that offered safe spaces to ask questions and validated her choice to “go flat.” These groups normalized and embraced this decision. After thoughtful consideration, Kassam chose this path, leaving behind societal stereotypes that equate breasts with beauty and sexuality. She embraced a new perspective that encourages whole-body acceptance and confidence.
Kassam’s choice ignited a desire to help others. She founded the non-profit Flaunt Flat Revolution to empower women to make informed decisions about their bodies. The group’s mission is to honor and respect every woman’s choice, acknowledging the emotional and social dimensions involved through support and education.
Many women face difficult decisions alone, and relationships can be tested by choices surrounding reconstruction or going flat. FFR provides a supportive community to navigate these challenges.
Passionate about redefining beauty standards, Kassam made a powerful statement at New York Fashion Week in 2023. Walking the runway, she modeled designs that celebrated women’s bodies, showcasing her Aesthetic Flat Closure with pride. Her message was clear: Beauty, self-love, and acceptance are paramount.
FFR is built on these principles, aiming to educate adults, young women, men, and medical professionals about the choice of this procedure.
If you or someone you know has breast cancer and is considering flat surgery, FFR offers mentors to guide your journey. Medical professionals interested in Aesthetic Flat Closure are encouraged to connect with FFR. Together, we can practice Kintsugi—the art of healing. Visit Flaunt Flat Revolution to learn more and join the movement on social media with #JoinTheRevolution.
