Long-term satisfaction of reduction mammaplasty for bilateral symptomatic macromastia in younger patients

There is controversy about performing reduction mammaplasty in younger patients. Although no studies show poor surgical outcomes, a paucity of data exists on long-term outcomes and satisfaction.

A single center mixed-mode mail and telephone surveyed 203 women who underwent reduction mammaplasty for symptomatic macromastia between 1985 and 2005, who were <21 years of age at surgery. A total of 99 women responded (48.8%).

Mean operative patient age was 19.1 years (range, 16.2-20.9 years). Mean follow-up was 15.6 years (range, 6.0-26.4 years). Sustained long-term symptom resolution was highest with shoulder pain (94.7%), breast pain (92.0%), and intertrigo (88.6%). Improvements in feeling uncomfortable (87.5%), finding clothes that fit (86.0%), sports participation (85.2%), and running (83.7%) were reported. Patients reported self-perceived decreased nipple sensitivity (67.2%) and difficulties breast-feeding (65.2%). Prominent incisional scarring was reported by 71.7%; however, 56.5% reported that scarring had not affected them in any way. The majority (93.9%) rated the overall success of their operation as at least 50% successful; 42.4% reported 100% success in treating the problems. Improved quality of life was reported by 88.7%. Most respondents (66.7%) would definitely recommend this procedure to a friend or family member at the same age. Knowing what they know now, 95.9% would choose to have the surgery again. Subgroup analysis of patients <18 years of age (n = 23; mean age, 17.3 years) at the time of surgery revealed equivalent results.

Long-term follow-up of reduction mammaplasty in patients aged 16-20 years shows good overall satisfaction and improvements in quality of life.