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Published on: April 19, 2019
Use of Smartphone Activity Data to Monitor and Identify Trends in Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery
Richard M Kwasnicki1,2, Laurie M Tupper1,2, Joshua Hon2
1From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Smartphone activity tracking offers an objective measure of recovery after bilateral breast reduction (BBR). Patients returned to 90% of their baseline activity levels in an average of 33.5 days, with tissue weight removed being a key predictor.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Digital Health
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Traditional bilateral breast reduction (BBR) outcome metrics have limitations in objectivity and granularity.
- Patient-reported outcome measures are subjective.
- Postoperative physical activity from smartphones offers a validated, objective recovery measure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate postoperative recovery following bilateral breast reduction (BBR) using smartphone-derived physical activity data.
- To establish novel recovery curves based on objective activity metrics.
- To identify patient or surgical factors influencing recovery speed.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort analysis of 56 patients undergoing BBR.
- Smartphone application used to collect physical activity data (1 month pre-op to 6 months post-op).
- Analysis focused on time to return to 90% of preoperative activity and daily activity patterns.
Main Results:
- Average return to baseline activity levels was 33.5 days post-BBR.
- The weight of tissue removed was the only significant predictor of recovery, negatively correlating with activity in the first two weeks (P=0.027).
- Daily activity patterns provided insights into return-to-work behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Smartphone-derived physical activity data provide detailed, objective insights into BBR recovery.
- Integrating this data with traditional measures can improve patient and clinician understanding of recovery.
- This novel approach can inform decisions regarding patient care, outcomes, and healthcare funding.
