Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Augmentation: A Follow-Up of 6 Months

Kim Phi Luong*, Magdalena Peters, Harm P. Slijper, Stefan Hummelink, Dietmar J.O. Ulrich

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)299-309
Number of pages11
JournalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Volume154
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2023 by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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