What should be the role of plastic surgeons in nonanatomic breast reconstruction, including tattooing?

Abstract

The goal of plastic surgeons performing postmastectomy anatomic reconstruction is to create a breast structure that closely matches the shape and appearance of a patient’s native breast. Tattoo artists have helped improve outcomes with nipple-areolar tattooing. Some patients now prefer to have more extensive, nonanatomic designs to help camouflage their scars. Two questions are considered here: What role should plastic surgeons have in supporting or performing nonanatomic reconstruction? And should insurance programs cover nonanatomic breast reconstruction options?