Is reduction mammaplasty a stimulus for weight loss and improved quality of life?

Reducing breast size for women with macromastia does more than provide symptomatic relief. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether reduction mammaplasty was felt to be a stimulus for postoperative weight loss, subjective glucose control, and improved self-confidence. All patients who underwent reduction mammaplasty at Emory University Hospital by the senior author were reviewed. Patient demographics were queried, and a standardized questionnaire was devised to obtain information regarding postoperative weight, dress size, glucose control, and exercise. Forty-one women participated in the questionnaire. Mean follow-up was 2 years (range, 1-6). Patients were stratified according to whether they felt reduction mammaplasty was a stimulus for future weight loss; 63% stated yes (group A), 37% responded no (group B). Group A had significant postoperative weight loss (P < 0.001) and decreased dress size (P < 0.001). Group B had no change in weight (P = 0.239) or dress size (P = 0.735). There was 100% improvement of patient reported postoperative glucose control in group A and 50% improvement in group B. Sexual activity was improved in 85% of women in group A, and only 40% in group B. Group A patients had significantly increased postoperative exercise (P < 0.001); group B had no change. Reduction mammaplasty in motivated patients may be a stimulus for postoperative weight loss, and those patients were more physically active, had better glucose control and had an improved self-confidence.