Related Experiment Videos
Reduction mammaplasty: long-term efficacy, morbidity, and patient satisfaction
G M Davis1, S L Ringler, K Short
1Adobe Plastic Surgery, Tucson, Ariz. 85712, USA.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Reduction mammaplasty significantly alleviates symptoms like shoulder and back pain in patients with macromastia. Most women reported improved self-esteem and satisfaction after the breast reduction surgery.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Symptom Management
Background:
- Macromastia, or abnormally large breasts, can cause significant physical discomfort and psychological distress.
- Surgical breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) is a common procedure, but its effectiveness in symptom relief requires ongoing evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of reduction mammaplasty in relieving preoperative symptoms in patients diagnosed with macromastia.
- To assess patient satisfaction and outcomes following the surgical procedure.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study involving 780 women who underwent reduction mammaplasty between 1981 and 1992.
- Survey data collected from 406 patients (52% response rate) regarding preoperative/postoperative symptoms, breast size, complications, and satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in shoulder grooving (94%), shoulder pain (93%), and back pain (81%) were observed post-surgery (p < 0.0001).
- Average breast cup size decreased by two sizes in 72% of patients.
- 88% reported improved self-esteem, with 93% willing to repeat the surgery and 94% recommending it.
Conclusions:
- Reduction mammaplasty effectively decreases breast size and significantly alleviates symptoms associated with mammary hypertrophy.
- Symptom relief was the primary driver for undergoing the procedure, with high patient satisfaction (87%) despite common minor complications.