Krystal Barter had a preventative double mastectomy at 25 because, like Angelina Jolie, she has the BRCA1 gene.
Shortly afterwards, she had a complete breast reconstruction and is proud of her new figure.
“Many women embrace their scars and celebrate the fact that they are alive and that’s fantastic, but my charity, Pink Hope, is all about prevention.
“It’s about encouraging women who have the BRCA gene to consider having their breasts removed so they don’t get cancer. I don’t want women to look at photos and think, ‘I’m not going to have my breasts removed because you end up looking worse than you did before’.
“You don’t have to look worse. You can look ever better!”
“That’s my message: You can take this action – preventative action – and end up looking better than you did before!”
Krystal Barter had her breasts removed at 25 because she has the potentially deadly BRCA1 breast cancer gene.
Krystal’s mother and grandmother also had breast cancer, putting her at even higher risk.
Krystal wants women to know you can look great after a mastectomy.
Fewer than 12 per cent of Australian women who have a mastectomy choose to have a reconstruction.
Krystal is thrilled with her new breasts, which are fuller and more shapely than her original ones.
The Weekly photographed Krystal to reduce judgement of women who decide to get a reconstruction after a mastectomy.
Krystal Barter. Photography by Liz Ham.
Krystal Barter. Photography by Liz Ham.
Krystal Barter. Photography by Liz Ham.
WARNING: The following images show graphic before and after pictures of breast reconstruction surgery.
Sydney cosmetic reconstructive surgeon Dr Damian Marucci has shared some before and after images of some of his mastectomy patients, including this 45-year-old woman.
This 40-year-old woman underwent reconstruction surgery after a single mastectomy.
This 50-year-old woman had previously undergone a left mastectomy for breast cancer. She decided to undergo a right mastectomy to decrease her chances of developing the disease in her remaining breast. Both breasts were reconstructed with breast implants.
This 45-year-old woman had previously undergone a left-sided mastectomy for cancer. The left breast was reconstructed with an implant following tissue expansion. A right breast augmentation was also performed.
