Cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery in adolescents: psychological, ethical, and legal considerations

The Influence of Age on Complications After Correction of Congenital Breast Deformities: A National Analysis of the Pediatric and Adult NSQIP Data Sets

BACKGROUND

Timing of surgical intervention is controversial among patients seeking correction of congenital breast deformities.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the influence of age on 30-day complications and unplanned healthcare utilization after reconstruction of congenital breast deformities.

METHODS

Female patients undergoing breast reconstruction for congenital breast deformities and Poland syndrome were identified on the basis of International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes in the 2012 to 2021 pediatric and adult National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) data sets. Complications based on age at correction were compared, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of overall and wound healing complications.

RESULTS

Among 528 patients meeting inclusion criteria, mean (SD) age at surgical correction was 30.2 (13.3) years. Patients most commonly underwent implant placement (50.5%), mastopexy (26.3%), or tissue expander placement (11.6%). Across the cohort, overall incidence of postoperative complications was 4.4%, most commonly superficial surgical site infection (1.0%), reoperation (1.1%), or readmission (1.0%). After multivariate adjustment, increasing age at time of correction was associated with higher incidence of wound complications [odds ratio (OR) 1.001; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0003-1.002; P = .009], in addition to BMI (OR 1.002; 95% CI 1.0007-1.004; P = .006) and tobacco use (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.11; P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

Breast reconstruction for congenital breast deformities may be safely undertaken at a young age with a low associated risk of postoperative complications. Large, multi-institutional studies are needed to assess the influence of surgical timing on psychosocial outcomes in this population.

Reduction Mammaplasty in Younger Patients: An Evidence-Based Approach to Treatment

Macromastia is a common condition that can lead to physical pain, emotional burden, and behavioral impairment, with significant decrements in quality of life. Reduction mammaplasty offers the only effective treatment of symptomatic macromastia, and patients experience significant improvements in their physical and psychosocial health through surgical correction. Although symptoms typically arise during adolescence, most women seeking surgical intervention do not undergo reduction mammaplasty until their fifth decade of life. Providers often delay surgery due to speculative concerns about emotional immaturity, postoperative breast regrowth, and future lactation performance. The strict guidelines related to age and body mass index imposed by insurance companies further restrict the options available to younger patients with macromastia. This review offers an evidence-based approach to treating macromastia in younger patients. After more than 15 years of treatment and research centered on adolescents and young adults with macromastia led by the senior author (B.I.L.), a pediatric plastic surgeon, we have found that reduction mammaplasty is a safe and effective treatment option for this patient population. It is our hope that our work will enable care providers to make data-supported decisions when treating younger patients with symptomatic macromastia.

Optimal strategies for addressing developmental breast asymmetry and the significance of symmetrical treatment: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Approximately one quarter of women are affected by asymmetry as a result of abnormal breast development, which can lead to significant emotional distress. Despite this, there is currently no widely accepted approach for managing this prevalent condition. This systematic review aimed to review the available literature on the management of developmental breast asymmetry.

METHODS

A comprehensive search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases was conducted for primary clinical studies reporting on the management of developmental breast asymmetry from 1962 to November 2022. The primary outcome measures were long-term aesthetic outcomes and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

Eleven case series and 2 cohort studies were included, comprising a total of 1237 patients with a mean age of 26.5 years (range 14-65 years). Twelve studies (92%) addressed asymmetry through surgical means, using various augmentation and reduction procedures, whereas one study (8%) utilized external prostheses. Meta-analysis of the data was not deemed to be possible because of heterogeneity of data; a narrative synthesis of the literature was provided.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no consensus on how to manage developmental breast asymmetry. Furthermore, there is a lack of consistency in the classification of patients with developmental breast asymmetry and in the reporting of outcomes, highlighting the need for a consensus. Further research outlining long-term aesthetic and patient-reported outcomes is needed to understand which procedures provide optimal outcomes. In addition, external breast prosthesis is a promising nonsurgical alternative, and further studies into its efficacy are needed.

A review of pediatric macromastia etiology and indications for reduction mammaplasty

BACKGROUND

Macromastia in adolescents is both physically and psychologically debilitating during a period in life when individuals are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure and social norms. Early recognition and intervention by both pediatricians and surgeons are critical to avoid unnecessary suffering. While reduction mammaplasty is the gold standard for the management of symptomatic macromastia in adults, the management of macromastia in pediatric patients remains controversial. In particular, there is great discussion regarding the timing of reconstructive breast surgery in pediatric patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to identify all articles related to macromastia in patients ≤16 years of age, the age at which full development is typically achieved in the United States. The etiologies of pediatric macromastia, approaches to management, and outcomes are summarized herein.

FINDINGS

Pathological breast hypertrophy in pediatric patients is a rare finding and may occur secondary to juvenile hypertrophy of the breast (JHB) and pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH). While medical management of these pathologies has been attempted with varying success, reduction mammaplasty is safe and effective in pediatric patients. There are, however, a number of pediatric-specific considerations that must be taken into account prior to surgery. We provide an algorithm for approaching pediatric macromastia.

Long-Term Follow-up in Labiaplasty in 414 Women: A Single-Center Experience in China

ABSTRACT

Women with labial hypertrophy may opt for labiaplasty. The aim of the study was to analyze the complications, long-term follow-up of clinical outcomes and satisfaction in this population over the past 10 years.All women who underwent labiaplasty with or without clitoral hood reduction at our center between January 2008 and August 2020 were retrospectively identified. Retrospective study was conducted, recording follow-up outcomes, motivations, techniques, postoperative complications, reasons requiring reoperation, and surgical satisfaction concerned different clinical characteristics. A concrete analysis of each specific outcome and a detailed knowledge of these procedures were performed.A total of 52.41% reported functional impairment, 20.25% cited aesthetics complains, and 27.34% were motivated by both the previously mentioned reasons. Women undergoing surgical correction sometimes mixed with various psychological aspects. A total of 91.06% reported that they were moderately (6.04%) or extremely (85.02%) satisfied with the outcomes after surgery, and 37 (8.94%) reported dissatisfied. Revision surgery was needed in a small number of patients (n = 7 of 414 patients, 1.69%) because of undesirable appearance. The most common complication in our patients was asymmetry (6.28%). Women requested labiaplasty in the last 2 reasons or procedures or without psychological distress were more likely feel satisfied with the results (satisfaction rate >90%). There was a significant difference in satisfaction among the 3 concerns as well as between the 2 kinds of psychological conditions ( P < 0.05). Satisfaction of patients with aesthetic complains compared with the other 2 worries was significantly lower ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference among the 3 procedures in this comparison group ( P > 0.05). In addition, satisfaction in labiaplasty with or without clitoral hoodoplasty, neither of which was statistically different ( P > 0.05). Patients aged 30 to 39 years reported the lowest satisfaction in comparison with the other age groups.Labiaplasty of the labia minora is the most commonly performed genital cosmetic surgery procedure. This study on 414 patients demonstrated that it is associated with a high degree of patient satisfaction and low morbidity and provided evidence of safety and effectiveness preliminary, indicating that the procedure may be regarded as safe.

Ethical Challenges Regarding Cosmetic Surgery in Patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an obsessive-compulsive disease, associated with increased addressability to plastic surgeons; however, as patients perceive body defects due to decreased insight, they are often unsatisfied with their appearance after cosmetic surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ethical reasoning that should be performed before accepting these patients as cosmetic surgery candidates. We will focus our analysis on three main areas of interest: autonomy, which in these patients is significantly decreased, beneficence as satisfaction, which in these particular patients does not justify performing the intervention, and loyalty, which should render cosmetic procedures immoral in patients with body dysmorphic disorder.

The Role of High Resolution Ultrasonography in Elucidating Features of the Breast Implants in Asymptomatic Patients After Implant-based Augmentation Mammaplasty

BACKGROUND

We conducted this study to describe the feasibility of high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) in characterizing a breast implant in patients receiving an implant-based augmentation mammaplasty.

METHODS

The current study was conducted in a total of 612 patients (n =6 12) receiving an implant-based augmentation mammaplasty at other hospitals between August 31, 2017 and August 31, 2020. Of these, 136 patients (n = 136; 272 breasts) receiving reoperation were included in the current study. We compared between the patients' subjective awareness of a breast implant and its HRUS findings and an agreement between HRUS findings of a breast implant and its findings at reoperation.

RESULTS

The proportion of the patients receiving a silicone gel-filled breast implant was increased from 65.44% (89/136) to 81.61% (111/136) on HRUS. Moreover, HRUS was effective in identifying a manufacturer of the device.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our results indicate that HRUS is feasible in characterizing a breast implant in patients receiving an implant-based augmentation mammaplasty. But further prospective, large-scale studies are warranted to corroborate our results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors. www.springer.com/00266 .

Superomedial Reduction Mammoplasty Affects Patients' Ability to Breastfeed in a Distinct Manner: A Multicenter Study of 303 Patients

BACKGROUND

Breast reduction by the superomedial technique can relieve symptoms related to breast hypertrophy; however, as the lateral and inferior portion of the breast parenchyma is removed and displaced, reduction mammoplasty may lead to an impaired ability to breastfeed.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess patients' ability to breastfeed after superomedial reduction mammoplasty.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study including patients treated with superomedial reduction mammoplasty between January 2009 and December 2018 at 2 tertiary hospitals in Denmark. Patients were stratified into 2 cohorts, depending on whether they had experienced childbirth before or after their reduction mammoplasty. Patients were sent specific questionnaires regarding maternity, breastfeeding before and after reduction mammoplasty, nipple sensitivity, and current demographic information. Operative details were retrieved from electronic medical records.

RESULTS

In total, 303 patients were identified as eligible for this study (37 patients giving birth after and 266 before reduction mammoplasty). Fewer patients were able to breastfeed exclusively for the recommended 6 months after reduction mammoplasty (2/37, 5.41%) compared with before (92/266, 34.59%; P < 0.05). In addition, fewer patients were able to breastfeed at all after reduction mammoplasty (18/37, 48.64%) compared with before mammoplasty (241/266, 90.60%; P < 0.001). Patients unable to breastfeed after reduction mammoplasty had lower nipple sensitivity and more breast tissue excised (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Superomedial reduction mammoplasty seems to impair the patient's ability to breastfeed exclusively for the recommended 6 months. Patients of childbearing age considering reduction mammoplasty should be made aware that reduction mammoplasty reduces their breastfeeding capacity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Age and Body Mass Index Affect Patient Satisfaction Following Reduction Mammoplasty: A Multicenter Study Using BREAST-Q

BACKGROUND

Reduction mammoplasty effectively improves quality of life for women with macromastia. However, little is known whether surgical- or patient-related factors affect satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE

The authors sought to investigate factors associated with altered patient satisfaction following reduction mammoplasty.

METHODS

A cross-section study was performed by sending the BREAST-Q Reduction module to all patients who had undergone reduction mammoplasty between January 2009 and December 2018 at 2 tertiary Danish hospitals. Demographics and pre-, peri-, and postoperative details were gathered from electronic medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 393 patients returned the questionnaire and were eligible for the study. Increasing age at the time of surgery was associated with higher satisfaction with breasts nipples, headache, psychosocial well-being, and outcome. Increased body mass index at the time of surgery negatively affected satisfaction with breasts and psychosocial well-being. Increase in body mass index after surgery was further associated with lower satisfaction with breasts, nipples, sexual well-being, and more pain in the breast area. Postoperative scar revision and wound infection was more common following inferior pedicle technique than superomedial technique and negatively affected satisfaction with outcome and pain in the breast area.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients should be motivated to optimize their weight prior to reduction mammoplasty to achieve optimal satisfaction. Age was associated with improved patient satisfaction, which should considered when operating on younger patients. Postoperative complications affect patient satisfaction, and the superomedial technique seems to be a better choice than the inferior pedicle technique in medium-large breasts.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Two-person screening of mental well-being before primary breast augmentation: Can we do more?

Patients choosing aesthetic surgery are asymptomatic individuals opting for surgery. Psychologists and surgeons have been interested in identifying characteristics of these individuals' preoperative as well as postoperative psychological changes. It was identified that a small number of patients have a primary issue with self-body image, which resulted in altered perceptions and attitudes such that the preoccupation with perceived deficiencies continued even after surgery. The recommended course is to attempt to screen for the patients' mental well-being, as surgery alone does not improve the patients' symptoms. In the first author's practice, each prospective patient is reviewed by two individuals on separate occasions in order to discuss surgery and assure their mental and physical suitability. However, we encountered four patients who exhibited a strong negative reaction to their new shape, to the point that it necessitated explanation in the immediate postoperative phase in two of them. To our knowledge, this situation has not been described in the literature. We discuss the available literature as well as our consent process for breast augmentation. The first author has since introduced BREAST-Q to assess general patient well-being in the pre- and post-operative phases as a result of this experience. We also discuss the results for each of its domains and offer our thoughts about the management of such a situation.

Complications and Quality of Life following Reduction Mammaplasty in Adolescents and Young Women

BACKGROUND

Adolescent reduction mammaplasty remains controversial because of concerns of postoperative breast growth, complications, and the effect on well-being. The authors sought to prospectively quantify early and late complications following reduction mammaplasty in adolescents and young women, and examine the intersection of surgical complications and postoperative health-related quality of life.

METHODS

From 2008 to 2017, female patients aged 12 to 21 years undergoing reduction mammaplasty were asked to complete the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (version 2), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Breast-Related Symptoms Questionnaire, and the Eating-Attitudes Test-26 preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months and 1, 3, 5, and 7 years. Clinical evaluations using standardized forms assessed baseline and postoperative symptomatology, complications, and surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

In the authors' sample of 512 participants, the most common complications included hypertrophic scarring (20.0 percent) and altered sensation of the nipple (8.4 percent) or breast (7.8 percent). Patient age, body mass index category, and amount of tissue resected did not significantly increase the odds of developing a complication. Significant postoperative improvements on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Breast-Related Symptoms Questionnaire, the Eating-Attitudes Test-26, and in all 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey domains (i.e., physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health) were largely seen irrespective of whether complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Although complications following reduction mammaplasty were common, the vast majority were minor. Patients had significant postoperative improvements in their physical and psychosocial well-being regardless of whether they experienced a complication. Concerns for potential complication, especially in younger and overweight or obese patients, should not preclude otherwise healthy adolescents and young women from the benefits of reduction mammaplasty.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

The female adolescent breast: disorders of development

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article will provide an overview on female breast development and focus on common abnormalities of growth, the emerging role of breast self-awareness, and discuss trends in the evaluation and treatment of the breast masses and disorders most often encountered in the female adolescent population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although the embryology of breast development is unchanged, data are emerging on the role of environmental factors on the timing of puberty and thelarche. As breast development occurs, the role of breast self-awareness is also a new trend that allows teens to be cognizant of changes in their own breast and to become more comfortable with their own anatomy. Finally, when breast treatments are needed or desired, the timing of breast treatments is a subject that must be individualized.

SUMMARY

There are numerous conditions that can result from disruption of normal breast development. These resultant breast disorders are generally benign but can still cause emotional distress to both the patient and family. It is thus imperative that healthcare providers be educated on breast development, the common breast masses that occur in the adolescent population and be prepared to discuss breast self-awareness and shared decision-making in this population.

Body dysmorphic disorder in pediatric dermatology

Body dysmorphic disorder is an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder involving a perceived defect in physical appearance that most commonly develops in early adolescence and causes significant functional impairment and suicidality at much higher rates than in affected adults. Patients may also present with subthreshold body dysmorphic disorder or obsessive concerns over a diagnosable dermatologic condition, both of which can present similarly to body dysmorphic disorder. Pediatric dermatologists can play an important role in detecting body dysmorphic disorder and body dysmorphic disorder-like symptoms, which may occur in as many as 20% of dermatology patients. Greater awareness of the prevalence, clinical presentation, and effect of these symptoms, as well as better screening tools and greater collaboration with our mental health colleagues, may lead to earlier, more effective intervention.

Transplants for non-lethal conditions: a case against hand transplantation in minors

Human allografts for life-threatening organ failure have been demonstrated to be lifesaving and are now considered to be standard of care for many conditions. Transplantation of non-vital anatomic body parts has also been accomplished. Hand transplantation after limb loss in adults has been shown to offer some promising benefits in both functional and psychological measures in preliminary studies. It has been suggested to expand eligibility criteria to include minors, with one such operation having already been performed. With this in mind, we examine the current state of hand transplantation research in the context of available alternatives. We examine the ethics of carrying out these operations in minors, including under the protections of clinical research. We argue that children should not be considered for this surgery due to the substantial risks of immunosuppressive medication, the likelihood that the graft will need to be replaced during the patient's lifetime and the lack of significant compensatory advantages over modern prosthetics.

Labiaplasty: Indications and Predictors of Postoperative Sequelae in 451 Consecutive Cases

BACKGROUND

The increasing demand for labiaplasty is well recognized; however, the procedure remains contentious.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to provide a large-scale, up-to-date analysis of labiaplasty outcomes and factors influencing postoperative sequelae (POS).

METHODS

We analyzed a single-center, prospectively maintained database of females undergoing labiaplasty between 2002 and 2017. Demographic, procedural, and outcomes' data were retrieved. Binary logistic regressions were used to evaluate the odds of developing POS (revisional surgery and complications); presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Data for 451 consecutive patients were retrieved, ten of whom were <18 years of age. Overall, 86% were Caucasian, mean age was 32.6 years, and 11.8% were smokers. Concomitant labia majora reduction was performed in 7.3%, and clitoral hood reduction in 5.8%. There were 32 cases of POS (7.1%), while the complication rate was 3.8%. Comparing those with POS to those without, there were no differences in age (32.8 vs 29.9 years, P = 0.210), operative time (78.5 vs 80.6 minutes, P = 0.246), or comorbidities (P > 0.05 for all). On univariable analysis, increased odds of POS occurred with sexual dysfunction as an indication for surgery (OR 3.778, CI 1.682-8.483). On subgroup analysis of those ≥18 years, both smoking (2.576, CI 1.044-6.357) and sexual dysfunction as an indication (OR 4.022, CI 1.772-9.131) increased the odds of POS. On multivariable analysis of the subgroup, sexual dysfunction as an indication persisted in significance (OR 3.850, CI 1.683-8.807).

CONCLUSIONS

Results compare favorably with previously reported complication and revisional surgery rates. Smoking and sexual dysfunction may increase the risk of complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2

The Effect of Reduction Mammaplasty on Quality of Life in Adolescents With Macromastia

OBJECTIVES

To measure changes in health-related quality of life and breast-related symptoms after reduction mammaplasty in adolescents.

METHODS

In this longitudinal cohort study, we administered the Short-Form 36v2 (SF-36), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Breast-Related Symptoms Questionnaire (BRSQ), and Eating Attitudes Test-26 to 102 adolescents with macromastia and 84 female controls, aged 12 to 21 years. Patients with macromastia completed surveys preoperatively and after reduction mammaplasty at 6 months and 1, 3, and 5 years. Controls completed baseline and follow-up surveys at the same intervals.

RESULTS

Patients with macromastia demonstrated significant score improvements postoperatively from baseline on the RSES, BRSQ, and in 7 out of 8 SF-36 domains: physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, mental health (P < .001, all). By the 6-month follow-up visit, postoperative subjects scored similarly to or more favorably than controls on the RSES, BRSQ, Eating Attitudes Test-26 , and SF-36; these benefits persisted for at least 5 years and were not significantly affected by BMI category or age.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction mammaplasty was significantly associated with improvements in health-related quality of life and breast-related symptoms of adolescent patients, with measureable improvements in physical and psychosocial well-being evident by 6 months postoperatively and still demonstrable after 5-years. These results largely do not vary by BMI category or age. Patients and providers should be aware of the potential positive impact that reduction mammaplasty can provide adolescents with symptomatic macromastia. Historic concerns regarding age and BMI category at the time of surgery should be reconsidered.

A Nonsurgical Approach to Adolescent Breast Asymmetry Using External Prostheses

PURPOSE

Currently, there are few nonsurgical treatment options for pediatric patients with developmental breast asymmetry. Our group established a partnership with a prosthetic unit within a local oncology center to provide custom-fit breast prostheses for young women with breast asymmetry. The purpose of this study was to describe the effect of this experience on patients' self-esteem and body image.

METHODS

Patients were administered an anonymous satisfaction survey at least 1 month after their first fitting at the prosthetic unit. The survey was designed to evaluate body image, self-esteem, as well as social and emotional well-being before and after treatment. Thematic analysis was used to assess their experiences.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients, aged 12-19 years, visited the prosthetic unit and subsequently completed the retrospective survey. After using the breast prostheses, 14 (82.4%) patients reported an improvement in body image and 12 (70.6%) patients reported an improvement in self-esteem. Benefits pertaining to three emergent themes were revealed: "body wholeness/symmetry," "body image and psychological well-being," and "esthetic outcome."

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the survey demonstrate the ease and efficacy of a form of nonsurgical treatment for adolescent breast asymmetry. Our partnership with an adult oncology center can serve as a national model to support the development of similar treatment programs. Existing resources that have been previously used only for adult breast cancer survivors can be effectively applied to the adolescent population to ameliorate the negative psychological effects of breast asymmetry.

A critical review of cosmetic treatment outcomes in body dysmorphic disorder

A high proportion of individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) undergo cosmetic treatments in an attempt to 'fix' perceived defect/s in their physical appearance. Despite the frequency with which such procedures are sought, few studies have prospectively examined the outcomes of cosmetic procedures in individuals with BDD. This article aims to critically review the literature and discuss the current debate that exists on outcomes of cosmetic treatment for individuals with BDD. An emerging literature suggests the majority of individuals with BDD have poor outcomes after cosmetic interventions; however, based on the current literature, it cannot be fully ruled out that certain individuals with mild BDD and localised appearance concerns may benefit from these interventions. Gaps in the current literature are highlighted, alongside recommendations for future research. Carefully conducted longitudinal studies with well-characterised patient populations are needed.