Patients who had reconstructive breast surgery at the time of mastectomy
(immediate) or within 1 year (early) had significantly less recalled
distress about their mastectomy than those who had it more than 1 year
later (delayed). Women who had immediate or delayed reconstructive surgery
had similar levels of psychological symptoms, which were slightly lower
than those reported by women in the early reconstructive group. The wish to
wear a wider range of clothes and the wish to be rid of the external
prosthesis were common motivations for reconstructive surgery. The desire
to improve sexual relations or one's marital state was less common and
should be viewed with caution when presented as the primary motivation for
this procedure.Abstract Teaser