Goals of Breast Reconstruction

Summary

Breast reconstruction is not cosmetic surgery. It is reconstructive surgery, performed to restore a normal form to women who have undergone mastectomy so that they will not be handicapped in their everyday living. The goal of breast reconstruction is to make women look normal in their clothing so that they can wear ordinary clothes (and most bathing suits) and do not need to wear an external prosthesis. The surgeon may try to surpass this goal and achieve the illusion of normalcy in the unclothed state (and may well succeed), but to avoid disappointment patients should not be led to expect that preoperatively. To achieve optimal results, patients usually will need to undergo at least one revision of the breast mound, followed by subsequent nipple and areolar reconstruction. To avoid conflict with patients and insurance companies, the surgeon should thoroughly explain these details before the reconstructive process begins.