Measuring patient outcomes in breast augmentation: introducing the BREAST-Q Augmentation module

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement

Background:

• Breast augmentation is a common procedure with diverse patient outcomes.
• Standardized measurement tools are crucial for evaluating surgical success and patient satisfaction.
• Existing questionnaires may not meet rigorous development standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate the Breast-Q Augmentation module, a novel patient-reported outcome measure.
• To establish a comprehensive tool for assessing patient experiences following breast augmentation.
• To provide a reliable instrument aligned with international and federal standards.

Main Methods:

• The Breast-Q Augmentation module underwent a rigorous development and validation process.
• The questionnaire addresses key patient concerns including aesthetic satisfaction and quality of life.
• Psychometric properties were evaluated to ensure reliability and validity.

Main Results:

• The Breast-Q Augmentation module is the only questionnaire for breast augmentation meeting international and federal standards.
• It demonstrates excellent psychometric properties for measuring patient-reported outcomes.
• The module comprehensively covers patient satisfaction and impact on quality of life.

Conclusions:

• The Breast-Q Augmentation module is a unique and validated tool for breast augmentation outcomes.
• It provides essential data for clinicians and researchers to enhance patient care and surgical techniques.
• This instrument facilitates improvements in breast augmentation from both patient and surgeon perspectives.