[Quality of life after breast reduction-plasty]

We have investigated the improvement in the quality of life in 384 breast reduction patients within a seven-year postoperative follow-up. Through the use of a questionnaire (recall of n = 223 patients), we sought to establish the patient's most compelling reason for seeking this surgical procedure. In addition, the effect of the operation on the patient's quality of life was investigated. Preoperatively, the main complaint was pain in the shoulder girdle in 77% of the patients, followed by 67% patients suffering from lower and thoracic back pain symptoms, whereas 51% defined mastodynia as their primary complaint. 95% of the patients noted a remarkable improvement in the quality of their professional and social lifes. 94% were able to specify this improvement as an increase in the feeling of self-esteem, 53% showed up with amelioration of selfconfidence. 95% of the patients felt that the breast reduction had a positive influence on their sexual behaviour and personal relationships. Our study reveals that breast reduction surgery offers not only an aesthetic improvement but also the relief of preoperative pain and discomfort, leading to important improvements in the patient's quality of life.