Psychological preparation of the patient for breast reconstruction.

Just as the amputation of the breast is traumatic, the reconstruction of the breast has its own psychological effects and problems. In this article we review over 100 women who had undergone rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction. We address the psychological issues motivating the patient for surgery and the psychological problems to be considered by the plastic surgeon. We also outline the method of psychological preparation used with these women and report on an evaluative study of the program provided as written and prerecorded material. A protocol and verbalization for hypnotic relaxation is included.