Repair of partial mastectomy defects.

Deformities caused by partial mastectomy can often be helped by plastic surgical techniques. Immediate repair of partial mastectomy defects is especially useful when skin, as well as breast tissue, has been resected. Distant tissue can be used, but most partial mastectomy defects are best repaired with local flaps. Shifting the defect into the axilla, where it is less noticeable, is often helpful. Alternatively, the breast can be reshaped using techniques similar to those used in reduction mammaplasty. In that situation, reduction of the opposite breast often is indicated for symmetry.