Breast augmentation: A geographical comparison

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Cosmetic Surgery
• Medical Research

Background:

• Geographical variations in patient demographics and aesthetic preferences can influence surgical outcomes.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for personalized breast augmentation procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare physical characteristics and breast implant details of women undergoing primary cosmetic breast augmentation in distinct geographical regions.
• To identify potential correlations between patient factors and implant choices across locations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 300 consecutive breast augmentation cases from university settings in Kelowna (British Columbia), Loma Linda (California, USA), and Temple (Texas, USA).
• Analysis included patient demographics, implant information, and statistical comparisons using Kruskal-Wallis tests and Pearson correlation coefficients for body mass index (BMI) versus implant volume.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were found in median weight, BMI, and implant volume among the three geographical groups.
• Average patient age, BMI, and implant volumes varied: Kelowna (33 years, 20.8 kg/m², 389 mL), Loma Linda (32 years, 21.6 kg/m², 385 mL), and Temple (36 years, 22.6 kg/m², 335 mL).
• A statistically significant positive linear correlation between BMI and implant volume was identified in the American cohorts (Loma Linda and Temple).

Conclusions:

• While age, height, and parity were similar, patients from different geographical locations exhibited variations in weight, BMI, and breast implant volume.
• The study highlights geographical influences on breast augmentation characteristics and suggests a correlation between BMI and implant size in American populations.