Jh. Rowland et al., PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO BREAST RECONSTRUCTION - EXPECTATIONS FOR AND IMPACT ON POSTMASTECTOMY FUNCTIONING, Psychosomatics, 34(3), 1993, pp. 241-250
Breast reconstruction is being considered by increasing numbers of bre
ast cancer patients. Recent controversy over the relative risk to bene
fit of breast implants suggests a need for more information about who
seeks reconstruction, why, and its impact on postmastectomy functionin
g. Eighty-three women undergoing reconstructive surgery were assessed
with respect to surgical and psychological status. Evaluations were ma
de at the time of consultation for breast reconstruction and repeated
2 months or more postsurgery. Findings highlight the overwhelmingly po
sitive effects of postmastectomy breast reconstruction and provide inf
ormation useful to those counseling or following breast cancer patient
s who pursue this option.