title: Reconstruction of the breast following mastectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review immediate and delayed breast reconstructive options following surgery for high-risk or cancer-related unilateral or bilateral mastectomy and examine restorative interventions to promote a positive body image and long-term survivorship.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochran Review.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For women facing mastectomy, a consultation with a plastic/reconstructive surgeon is a first step toward recovery with restoration of a missing body part. Nursing interventions are integral to physical and psychosocial healing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An understanding of the reconstructive process can be beneficial in the care of women facing and recovering from a mastectomy. Psychological and physical issues occur whether the woman is undergoing bilateral prophylactic mastectomies for a high-risk condition or mastectomy as treatment for a malignant tumor.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lamp
authors.forename: Joanne L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Lester
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D013315:Stress, Psychological
keywords: Breast reconstruction; alloplastic breast reconstruction; autologous breast reconstruction; implant-based reconstruction; perforator flap; tissue expansion