A review of 67 patients who had undergone subcutaneous mastectomy indicates that the procedure should be used with well defined criteria. Both the patient and the surgeon should understand clearly that the procedure does not afford absolute protection against breast cancer. In proper perspective, used in appropriate circumstance, subcutaneous mastectomy is one more tool in the physician's armamentarium against breast disease-- a tool that may offer relief and satisfaction, with only moderate risk of morbidity.