Breast reconstruction following mastectomy.

The mutilating effect of surgery for cancer of the breast has left many women needful of reconstruction to restore the body contour and self-image. Reconstruction involves replacement of the three elements that have been lost: breast mass, skin, muscle and nipple-areolar complex. Methods for accomplishing this have been devised and are in common use. Because of the increased predisposition to malignancy in the remaining breast and the difficulty in achieving symmetry in both breasts, the remaining breast must be considered, with subcutaneous mastectomy being the most appropriate course in most cases. Patient acceptance has been excellent.