Psychologic effects and esthetic results of breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
A survey was conducted on 84 patients who chose to have breast reconstruction after mastectomy. A self-rating questionnaire was sent to each patient by mail to collect as much information about the patient as possible: individual status, reasons for requesting breast reconstruction, acceptance and advantages of having the new breast, satisfaction with the overall esthetic results, amount of patient information regarding breast reconstruction, and the source of this information. Once the questionnaire was completely filled out, it was returned by mail to the persons conducting this study. Fourty-three patients (51% of sample) replied with a completed questionnaire. When all the data for this survey were collected, an interesting factor emerged: 33 patients (76.7% of those who replied) reported being substantially satisfied with the esthetic results of their operation. When asked about the reasons for requesting breast reconstruction, 16 patients asserted their request was based on the desire to prove to themselves that they had overcome the disease, and 16 to improve body image. When asked about the advantages of breast reconstruction, 17 patients believed the operation would help improve inner feelings about the loss of the breast. Thus breast reconstruction is indeed an element of prime importance to mastectomized women, especially for their physical and psychological rehabilitation.