Options for Surgical Prophylaxis and Reconstruction

Mastectomy and breast reconstruction techniques have evolved over the past decade. In addition to therapeutic mastectomy for cancer, mastectomy for risk reduction (prophylactic mastectomy) is increasingly being performed. The willingness to undergo a potentially mutilating procedure for risk reduction is due to the combination of refined risk stratification along with technical improvements that offer reproducible, high-quality breast reconstruction. Multiple surgical options exist to offer the patient an acceptable balance between risk reduction and surgical intervention. This article provides an overview of current strategies and techniques for surgical risk reduction and reconstruction.