A history of breast reconstruction following mastectomy

Abstract

Breast reconstruction has had a period of rapid development during the past 25 years. In the late 1970s, the reliability and quality of breast reduction following mastectomy were very suboptimal. During the quarter of a century, reconstruction has become very reliable and has a very high acceptance rate among patients.This chapter follows important landmarks in this effort to ease the impact of losing a breast because of malignancy. The various types of reconstruction available are discussed in general terms.