Breast reconstruction after radical mastectomy.

The loss of the female breast by mastectomy for treatment of carcinoma is frequently a depressing psychologic experience. While some women learn to cope with the loss, others do not despite the use of specially constructed brassieres. Adaptations of implantation materials and basic plastic surgical techniques are now available for selected postmastectomy patients. These can be useful in modifying the altered body image of the patient who has lost her breast.