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Cosmetic and postmastectomy breast implants: Finnish women's experiences
S L Hovi1, E Hemminki, S H Swan
1Health Services Research Unit, National Research and Development Center for Welfare and Health, Helsinki, Finland.
Journal of Women'S Health & Gender-Based Medicine
|October 26, 1999
Summary
Women seeking silicone breast implants for cosmetic augmentation or post-mastectomy reconstruction reported similar satisfaction but varied knowledge of risks. Post-mastectomy patients experienced more reoperations, highlighting the need for comprehensive pre-implantation counseling.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Silicone breast implants are used for both cosmetic augmentation and post-mastectomy reconstruction.
- Patient satisfaction and complication rates can vary significantly between these two indications.
- Understanding women's experiences is crucial for improving informed consent and surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare women's satisfaction and short-term problems with silicone breast implants.
- To analyze experiences in cosmetic breast augmentation versus post-mastectomy reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 224 women who received silicone breast implants.
- Participants were divided into cosmetic augmentation (n=113) and post-mastectomy (n=111) groups.
- Data collected included preoperative knowledge, postoperative satisfaction, and reported complications.
Main Results:
- Overall satisfaction and preoperative knowledge were similar between groups, though cosmetic patients were better informed about physical risks.
- 58% reported insufficient preoperative knowledge; 26% would not choose implants again.
- One-third of post-mastectomy patients required reoperation, often due to slippage or capsular contracture.
Conclusions:
- While overall satisfaction is comparable, women undergoing cosmetic breast augmentation need better information on potential physical complications.
- The higher reoperation rate in post-mastectomy patients underscores the need for thorough counseling.
- In-depth counseling on risks, complication rates, and non-surgical alternatives is essential before breast implant surgery.