Breast reconstruction is designed to create a new breast for patients who have undergone a mastectomy. This can often be accomplished by using the patient's own tissue, or alternatively an implant, to fashion a new breast. A remarkably natural looking breast can be achieved. The new breast restores symmetry to the chest and liberates the mastectomy patient from the drawbacks of a prosthesis. This is a procedure done in the hospital under general anesthesia and requires a brief hospital stay. Recuperation depends on which procedure is performed.