Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy Is a Hit

THURSDAY, Aug. 5, 2004 (HealthDayNews) -- Many women at high risk for breast cancer are pleased with breast reconstructions after they have preventive mastectomies, says a study in the August issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The study found more than 70 percent of women who had breast reconstruction immediately after preventive mastectomy were either extremely satisfied or satisfied with the results. It also found that 16 percent of women who had post-surgical complications, such as infection or hardening of scars, were less satisfied with the outcome of their breast reconstruction.

Women who overestimated their risk of breast cancer and continued to worry about developing the disease after they had preventive mastectomy were also less satisfied with their breast reconstruction, the study found.

"Women want to be assured they will feel whole after having these elective procedures which are deemed necessary," study co-author Dr. John Semple said in a prepared statement.

"This is the first study of its kind that reports on women's satisfaction with reconstruction following preventative mastectomy. Much to our delight, most women are pleased with the results of their breast reconstruction and a good majority even experience an improved body image after surgery," Semple said.

More information

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about preventive mastectomy.