Angelina Jolie opens up about loving her scars after preventive breast cancer surgeries; here’s the gene that increased her risk

Angelina Jolie underwent preventative surgery to remove both breasts in 2013 (Picture: Instagram/@angelinajolie)

• Angelina Jolie embraces her mastectomy scars as symbols of strength and survival
• She had preventative surgery in 2013 due to BRCA1 gene and family history.
• Jolie's motivation was to stay healthy for her six children

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Angelina Jolie surprised everyone by opening up about her double mastectomy scars in a recent interview with a French media outlet. The 50-year-old actor revealed that she loves them, as she has always been “interested in the scars and the life that people carry.” For her, they are a reminder of strength and of embracing flaws.

The Oscar-winning actor made the choice in 2013 to undergo preventative surgery to remove both breasts after she was informed that she carries the BRCA1 gene, increasing her chances of developing breast cancer. This came after she lost her mother to cancer at just 56 years old, as well as her aunt and grandmother.

In her interview with the French Inter, Jolie said, “I'm not drawn to some perfect idea of a life that has no scars. So no, I think, hey, you know, I see my scars are a choice I made to do what I could do to stay here as long as I could with my children.”

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The actor had follow-up procedures two months later after her double mastectomy, and later in May 2013, she first revealed in an op-ed piece for The New York Times how the decision “was not easy,” but she was “very happy” that she made the choice.

Jolie is a mother to six children she shares with ex-husband Brad Pitt: Maddox, 24, Pax, 22, Zahara, 21, Shiloh, 19, Knox, 17, and Vivienne, 17. The strength behind her big move came from the fact that she wants to be there for her kids for as long as she can. “I love my scars because of that, and I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to have the choice to do something proactive about my health,” she added.

The actor will next be seen in Couture, set against the backdrop of Paris Fashion Week. In the film, she plays a filmmaker who is diagnosed with breast cancer and speaks both French and English.

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FAQs on preventive breast cancer surgery scar

1. What is preventive breast cancer surgery?

Preventive (prophylactic) breast surgery, often called a prophylactic mastectomy, involves removing one or both breasts to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. It is usually considered by individuals at very high risk, such as those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.

2. Will there always be a scar after preventive breast surgery?

Yes. Any surgical procedure that involves incisions will result in some degree of scarring. However, the size, placement, and visibility of the scar depend on the surgical technique used.

3. Where are the scars usually located?

Scar placement varies. Incisions may be made around the areola, under the breast fold, or across the breast. In some cases, surgeons aim to place scars in less visible areas.

4. Does the type of mastectomy affect the scar?

Yes. Skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomies may result in different scar patterns compared to traditional mastectomy techniques. Your surgeon will discuss options based on your anatomy and risk profile.

5. How long does it take for scars to heal?

Initial healing typically occurs within a few weeks, but scars can continue to mature and fade for up to a year or longer.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.