Breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

Radical mastectomy inflicts emotional as well as physical scars, and preoperative interviews with the reconstructive surgeon can help to ameliorate some anxiety. There is no evidence of risk to the patient from reconstruction of the breast. Reconstruction is best deferred for four to six months after mastectomy for several oncologic and psychologic reasons. Careful selection of patients is paramount. Reconstruction involves the correction of several functional and structural deficits. The end result has been enhanced by the silicone breast implant and the myocutaneous flap. Although the final result is usually not a cosmetic triumph, the reconstruction may serve to enhance the patient's self-image.