Psychologist in a plastic surgery service.

Some of the roles of a psychologist on a plastic surgery service, particularly with patients undergoing cleft palate, craniofacial, and breast reconstruction, are explored. Psychological counseling with parents of infants with birth defects is described. For patients with craniofacial anomalies team management, extensive presurgical evaluations, and a psychological support system during hospitalization are required. Patients undergoing breast reconstruction need to work through preexisting feelings and attitudes about mastectomy as well as their anticipation of results of corrective surgery. For all patients, printed materials are used to augment the counseling. Research is emphasized, in keeping with the role of such a plastic surgery service in a university setting.