Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
Integrating Augmented Reality Tools in Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Prognostication and Diagnosis
Published on: February 6, 2020
Satisfaction with Breasts following Autologous Reconstruction: Assessing Associated Factors and the Impact of
Minji Kim1, Perri Vingan1, Lillian A Boe2
1From the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery.
Background:
Autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) may confer higher patient-reported outcomes than implant breast reconstruction, but an in-depth examination of factors associated with satisfaction after ABR is lacking. The authors aimed to determine independent predictors of 1-year satisfaction with breasts after ABR and assess the importance of elective procedures on satisfaction.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent abdominally based ABR between 2010 and 2021 and completed the BREAST-Q Satisfaction with Breasts module at 1 year was performed. Elective procedures consisted of breast revision and nipple-areola complex reconstruction.
Results:
A total of 959 patients were included. Satisfaction with Breasts score improved from 53 (interquartile range [IQR], 44 to 64) preoperatively to 64 (IQR, 53 to 78) at 1 year postoperatively ( P < 0.001). Factors significantly associated with decreased postoperative score included lower preoperative scores (β = 0.19 [95% CI, 0.08 to 0.31]; P = 0.001), older age (β = -0.17 [95% CI, -0.34 to -0.01]; P = 0.042), Asian race (versus White, β = -6.7 [95% CI, -12 to -1.7]; P = 0.008), and a history of psychiatric diagnoses (β = -3.4 [95% CI, -6.2 to -0.66]; P = 0.015). Patients who received radiation therapy (β = -5.6 [95% CI, -9.0 to -2.3]; P = 0.001) or had mastectomy skin flap/nipple necrosis (β = -3.8 [95% CI, -7.6 to -0.06]; P = 0.046) also had significantly decreased scores. Satisfaction with Breasts scores improved significantly after breast revision procedures (from 54 [IQR, 42 to 65] to 65 [IQR, 54 to 78]; P < 0.001), and nipple-areola complex reconstruction (from 58 [IQR, 47 to 71] to 67 [IQR, 57 to 82]; P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Multiple independent patient and treatment level factors are associated with lower 1-year Satisfaction with Breasts scores following ABR. Elective procedures have the potential to improve satisfaction. Understanding these findings is imperative for optimizing clinical decision-making and managing expectations.
Clinical Question/Level Of Evidence:
Risk, III.
More Related Videos
13:35Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
04:27Anterior Capsular Reconstruction with Human Dermal Allograft for Irreparable Subscapularis Tears
Published on: May 9, 2025
