Understanding the effect of breast augmentation on quality of life: prospective analysis using the BREAST-Q

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate patient satisfaction and quality of life with elective breast augmentation.

Patients with bilateral submuscular breast augmentations prospectively completed the BREAST-Q preoperatively and 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively; t tests compared preoperative and postoperative scores at 6 weeks and 6 months, and standard indicators of effect sizes were calculated. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between patient and surgical factors on satisfaction outcomes.

The study sample included 611 female patients with the following characteristics: (1) mean age of 33.5 years; (2) mean body mass index of 21.7; (3) and mean implant volume of 360; with (4) 73 percent having received a silicone implant. Significant improvements were found in patient satisfaction with breasts (p < 0.001), psychosocial well-being (p < 0.001), and sexual well-being (p < 0.001) at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively, and all were associated with a very large Kazis effect size of 3.66, 2.39, and 2.56 at 6 months, respectively. However, at both 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively, physical well-being remained significantly below preoperative baseline scores. In addition, satisfaction with breasts and with the overall surgical experience was significantly lower among older patients (p = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively).

Breast augmentation is associated with high patient satisfaction and significant improvements in quality of life. However, physicians should inform patients that submuscular augmentations are associated with a delay in recovery of physical functioning and be aware that older patients may experience diminished satisfaction and should counsel accordingly.

Therapeutic, IV.