A surgical operation to reconstruct a breast (see BREASTS) after part or all of it has been removed to treat breast cancer; to enlarge small breasts; or to reduce the size of overlarge breasts. The routine method for breast enlargement used to be the insertion of silicone (SILICONES) implants under the skin, but implants are prone to such complications as contraction of the outer capsule and leaking of the contained gel. It is therefore important that any woman contemplating this form of surgery be given full information about the benefits and risks and is given the opportunity to discuss this with the operating surgeon. (See also MASTECTOMY.)