Patient satisfaction following augmentation mammaplasty with the gel prosthesis

No evaluation of patient responses to augmentation mammaplasty has been published in the medical literature. This has left the area open for opinion and speculation by both physicians and laity.All patients undergoing pure augmentation mammaplasty during 1976 were sought in four plastic surgery practices using gel prostheses in the Southwest. Responses were obtained from 159 of the 221 patients (72%). Some degree of firmness of one or both breasts was reported by 64% of the patients who responded. External capsulotomy was effective in only 1 patient in 5. Shape distortion because of capsular contracture was reported by 10% of patients. Change in nipple sensation was reported by 42% of patients; 9% found it bothersome. There was no difference statistically between the inframammary and periareolar approach. Improved self-image was reported by 91% of patients. Fifty-five percent reported a positive effect on their sexual lives. Only 3% had a negative effect.Although 91% of patients expressed satisfaction with their operations, an even greater number (97%) would have the operation again. This is a striking affirmation of this cosmetic operation as performed by board-certified plastic surgeons. Obviously, the benefits of augmentation mammaplasty outweigh any unfavorable results.