Informed consent: considerations in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast.

A definite standard of care exists for establishing informed consent. The plastic surgeon has an obligation to meet these requirements with each patient undergoing surgery. The difficulties of adequately informing have been described and suggestions made for supplementing the consultation with a variety of adjuncts. The goal is to inform and use whatever methods are effective in achieving this goal. Establishing valid informed consent will not prevent all medical liability claims. Despite the most conscientious efforts to inform, some claims will still occur alleging "lack of informed consent." The surgeon must then prove that sufficient information was provided. However, many patients who feel that the surgeon made every effort to inform and felt that the surgeon was honest, conscientious, concerned, and thorough will be less inclined to generate claims even in the face of unsatisfactory results or untoward complications. Informed consent is the patient's right and the surgeon's obligation. The medicolegal benefits from fully informing are tangible and one of the most effective methods to reduce claims and modify risk.