Poor results in breast reconstruction can often be salvaged by turning to alternative techniques when the original treatment strategy has not produced optimum results. To do this, the surgeon must be willing to admit to aesthetic failures and correct them. If this is done honestly and vigorously, the multiplicity of methods presently available can allow us to turn many of our failures into successes. Five patients are presented to illustrate these principles and suggest some specific strategies for improving mediocre or poor results.