title: Subcutaneous mastectomy with implant reconstruction: cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the cosmetic outcome and satisfaction of patients who have undergone subcutaneous mastectomy (SCM) with silicon implant reconstruction and to investigate the factors influencing cosmesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 101 patients who had had SCM implant reconstruction for treatment of primary breast cancer were assessed for cosmesis by a panel using photographic assessment. Satisfaction and sexuality were studied by a self-evaluation questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A good to excellent cosmetic result was achieved in 71 (70. 3%) patients (and in 85% of the group who had immediate insertion of the implant). Eighty-one patients (81%) were moderately or very satisfied (96% of the immediate reconstruction group were so). Factors found to influence cosmesis positively were submuscular insertion of the implant (P<0.001), the lateral incision approach (P<0.001) and immediate reconstruction (P<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of this study support the use of SCM with implant reconstruction as the simplest option in those advised to undergo mastectomy and who wish for reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Breast Unit, Nottingham City Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Al-Ghazal
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Blamey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019928:Breast Implantation; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015414:Mastectomy, Subcutaneous / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012828:Silicones
chemical_list: D012828:Silicones