Summary
Background
Patient-reported data, including effects on patient satisfaction and quality of life,
have not been rigorously studied in women treated with mastopexy and augmentation/mastopexy.
This prospective outcome study evaluates and compares mastopexy (n = 36), augmentation/mastopexy (n = 47), and reduction (n = 20) from the patient's perspective.
Methods
Over a 5-year period, 125 consecutive women underwent vertical mammaplasties incorporating
a medial pedicle. In-person interviews were conducted among 106 women at least 1 month
after surgery (response rate, 84.8%). Questions were asked in six categories: patient
data, indications, recovery, results, complications, and psychological effects. A
follow-up study examined the incidence of subjective nipple numbness.
Results
The mean pain rating was 4.5 on a 1–10 scale. Both mastopexy (resection weight <300 g
per breast) and reduction patients reported a significant reduction in physical symptoms
after surgery (p < 0.001). The mean result rating was 9.0 on a scale of 1–10. Expectations were met
or exceeded in 91.5% of augmentation/mastopexy patients. The reported complication
rate was 15.1%. The incidence of persistent nipple numbness was 10.6%. All procedures
reduced breast self-consciousness (p < 0.001). A correlation was found between the result rating and a lack of complications
(p = 0.01).
Conclusions
All three breast procedures provide a high level of patient satisfaction (94.3%),
improved self-esteem (89.3%), and improved quality of life (69.5%). Mastopexy patients
report a symptomatic benefit in addition to correction of ptosis. Vertical augmentation/mastopexy
provides a high level of patient satisfaction.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 12, 2013
Accepted:
March 9,
2013
Received:
December 14,
2012
Footnotes
☆An abstract was presented as a scientific poster at the 77th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois, on October 31 through November 5, 2008.
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
