Luong KP, Peters M, Slijper HP, Hummelink S, Ulrich DJO. Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Augmentation: A Follow-Up of 6 Months.
Plast Reconstr Surg 2024;
154:299-309. [PMID:
37647502 DOI:
10.1097/prs.0000000000011029]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the success of a breast augmentation, it is essential to measure outcomes from the patient perspective, because a successful aesthetic result is, in particular, determined by the patient. This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported satisfaction with their breasts, and psychosocial, physical, and sexual well-being in patients undergoing breast augmentation using validated questionnaires.
METHODS
This is a multicenter cohort study based on ongoing routinely collected data. Patient-reported satisfaction and health-related quality of life were assessed with the BREAST-Q augmentation module at intake and 6 months postoperatively.
RESULTS
A total of 1405 patients were included. Large changes in BREAST-Q scores (range, 0 to 100) between intake and 6 months postoperatively were seen in satisfaction with breasts (mean, effect size: +57, 3.8), psychosocial well-being (mean, effect size: +38, 2.1), physical well-being (mean, effect size: -14, -1.2), and sexual well-being (mean, effect size: +44, 2.4). Moreover, improvements in all four scales were not dependent on their intake scores, and all postoperative scores reached similar levels. A decreased physical well-being of the chest was measured after surgery. The satisfaction with breasts scale correlated moderately to strongly with the psychosocial and sexual well-being scale 6 months after surgery. Subgroup analysis based on patient characteristics found no differences in outcomes, except for body mass index.
CONCLUSIONS
Significant improvement in patient-reported satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being can be seen 6 months after breast augmentation, despite a decline in physical well-being after treatment. Postoperative satisfaction levels did not depend on preoperative scores. These insights can contribute to improving preoperative communication between surgeon and patient regarding the expected outcomes.
CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic, IV.
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