Psychosocial status of women requesting breast reduction surgery as compared with a control group of large-breasted women

The breast has special significance for women but unlike women seeking breast augmentation little research has been carried out on those seeking breast reduction. The few studies to date have not used well-recognized instruments nor appropriate controls. The present study compared 33 patients on a waiting list with 22 large-breasted controls using a semistructured questionnaire and well-validated instruments. Patients experienced greater physical and psychological difficulties but similar social difficulties as compared with the control group. Patients were also more anxious and depressed and had poorer self-esteem, body image, interpersonal functioning, and health status. This study confirms the high psychological morbidity of patients seeking breast reduction.