Summary
Background
The objective of this study was the prospective evaluation of quality of life in patients
undergoing aesthetic plastic surgery procedures. We examined pre- and postoperative
changes in quality of life, and performed a comparison of our data with a representative
random sample.
Method
228 patients agreed to participate in the present study. Measurements were taken preoperatively
as well as 3 and 6 months postoperatively. One hundred and thirty two patients completed
the three months postoperative evaluation (T1), 82 answered the 6 months follow-up
evaluation (T2). The testing instrument included a standardised self-assessment test
on satisfaction and quality of life (FLZM), consisting of three modules: satisfaction with general life, health and appearance.
Further, a postoperative complication questionnaire was used in order to evaluate
the satisfaction with the surgical outcome and to estimate postoperative complications
and side effects.
Results
Significantly increasing values in two aspects of quality of life were found: health
and appearance. Whereas the positive influence on health is persistent, there is a
diminishing influence of appearance 6 months postoperatively. Although higher values
for some of the individual items of the FLZM modules of the norm data were found in comparison to our study group, a general preoperative
lower level of quality of life of the aesthetic surgery patients could not be confirmed.
Over 84% were satisfied or very satisfied with the aesthetic result. 85% would undergo
the same treatment again and 94% of the patients would further recommend their operation.
More than half of the study group did not report a decrease in physical fitness or
reduced social contacts in the direct postoperative period.
Conclusion
Our study reveals that aesthetic plastic surgery increases most aspects of quality
of life, especially regarding body satisfaction and health. It is very well tolerated
by the patients and is therefore a recommended option.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 24, 2007
Accepted:
January 30,
2007
Received:
August 1,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
