Subcutaneous mastectomy with immediate reconstruction of the breast.

The operation of subcutaneous mastectomy is evolving as an alternative to simple mastectomy for diseases of the breast parenchyma where preservation of the skin capsule is thought possible. Simple mastectomy is a mutilating procedure, cosmetically unacceptable to both patient and surgeon. The psychological implications of breast absence in women are now well known, and attempts to preserve the shape and volume of the breast must receive attention.