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Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Patient self-assessment of the cosmetic results of breast reconstruction
William N Andrade1, John L Semple
1Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
In a previous study, the authors evaluated factors that contribute to patient satisfaction with breast reconstruction, using a comprehensive chart review and questionnaire. The results of part of this questionnaire, regarding patients' rating of the cosmetic result of their breast reconstruction, are presented in this article.
Methods:
The questionnaire was mailed to 267 patients, 214 questionnaires (80.1 percent) were returned, and 200 contained a response to the question rating the overall cosmetic outcome of breast reconstruction (Fig. 1). To conduct a statistical analysis, the data were collapsed into two smaller groups. An "excellent" or "good" result was considered a "favorable" outcome, while lower responses were "unfavorable" outcomes.
Results:
The outcome was rated as excellent by 82 patients, good by 76 patients, fair by 31 patients, and poor by 11 patients. A significant association was found between overall cosmesis and breast size, shape, or scars.
Conclusion:
It should not be assumed that patients' responses regarding satisfaction with reconstruction will reflect their specific feelings regarding cosmetic results.
