Angelina Jolie shows off double mastectomy scars for first time since 2013 surgery

Angelina Jolie has revealed what her mastectomy scars look like for the first time since her surgery back in 2013.

The actress has remained private about the preventive double mastectomy, which she decided to undergo 12 years ago for the sake of her health.

Jolie underwent the procedure as she said doctors told her at the time that she had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer.

Speaking to the New York Times at the time, the mum-of-six said: "I decided to be proactive and to minimise the risk as much I could," with former husband Brad Pitt saying at the time that it was 'absolutely heroic'.

Despite her brave act, the Lara Croft star has never showed her scars off - until now.

Now 50, Jolie has made the cover of TIME France, while showing her markings for the first time, explaining to the publication: "I share these scars with many women I love.

"And I'm always moved when I see other women share theirs.

"I wanted to join them, knowing that TIME France would be sharing information about breast health, prevention, and knowledge about breast cancer."

Jolie can be seeing posing in a low-cut sweater, covering one of her breasts with her hand, with photos of the double mastectomy scars set to be released alongside the full interview on Friday 18 December.

A mastectomy is a surgery to remove all or part of a breast, usually to treat or prevent breast cancer, which includes removing the tissue, skin, or sometimes the nipple.

The BRCA1 gene was the reason behind the actress' decision to get the surgery, as this was the cause behind her increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

She recalled: "I did choose to have that [surgery] because I lost my mother and my grandmother very young.

"I have the BRCA gene, so I chose to have a double mastectomy a decade ago... And then I've also had my ovaries removed, because that's what took my mother," Jolie admitted, as her mum passed away at the age of 56.

Jolie said that 'those are my choices', highlighting that while not everyone should follow suit, the choice is always there and she has no regrets.

Speaking to the New York Times at the time of her preventative surgery, she opened up about her mum's decade-long battle with cancer before passing away, writing: "She held out long enough to meet the first of her grandchildren and to hold them in her arms.

"But my other children will never have the chance to know her and experience how loving and gracious she was."

Following the procedure, her risk of developing breast cancer dropped from 87 percent to under five percent.

"On a personal note, I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity," Jolie further stated.