Patient education and decision making in breast reconstruction.

A well-informed patient who actively participates in decision making is an essential ingredient of successful outcome in breast reconstruction. The plastic surgeon must be prepared to answer all the patient's questions in a clear and concise manner. All women considering breast reconstruction need to understand the rationale for reconstruction and have realistic expectations for what can be accomplished. They need to consider the optimal timing and the advantages and disadvantages of each technical option. The patient education process can be enhanced by the thoughtful inclusion of growing set of educational tools and decision aids. This article reviews each of these issues and suggests a way to organize and present the essential material in a way that has proven effective with women in our practice.