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Increasing age impairs outcomes in breast reduction surgery
Michele A Shermak1, David Chang, Kate Buretta
1Baltimore, Md. From the Division of Plastic Surgery and the Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|November 19, 2011
Summary
Older women undergoing breast reduction surgery face higher risks of infection and wound healing complications. Advanced age, particularly over 50, negatively impacts outcomes, possibly due to hormonal changes.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Geriatric Medicine
- Surgical Outcomes Research
Background:
- Limited research exists on the specific impact of advanced age on breast reduction outcomes.
- Previous studies have not isolated age as a primary factor influencing surgical results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of patient age on the outcomes of reduction mammaplasty.
- To identify age-related risks associated with breast reduction surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 2156 reduction mammaplasties performed between 1999-2009.
- Patients were categorized into age groups: <40, 40-50, and >50 years.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to determine age-related outcome predictors.
Main Results:
- Patients over 50 years old had significantly higher rates of infection (OR 2.7, p=0.003).
- Trends indicated increased wound healing problems and reoperative débridement in older patients (>50).
- A trend towards infection was observed in the 40-50 age group (OR 1.7, p=0.08).
Conclusions:
- Age over 50 is associated with poorer breast reduction outcomes, especially increased infection risk.
- Advanced age may negatively influence wound healing post-reduction mammaplasty.
- Hormonal deficiency is a potential contributing factor to adverse outcomes in older patients.
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