Prospective outcome study of 106 cases of vertical mastopexy, augmentation/mastopexy, and breast reduction.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported data, including effects on patient satisfaction and quality of life, have not been rigorously studied in women treated with mastopexy and augmentation/mastopexy. This prospective outcome study evaluates and compares mastopexy (n=36), augmentation/mastopexy (n=47), and reduction (n=20) from the patient's perspective.

METHODS: Over a 5-year period, 125 consecutive women underwent vertical mammaplasties incorporating a medial pedicle. In-person interviews were conducted among 106 women at least 1 month after surgery (response rate, 84.8%). Questions were asked in six categories: patient data, indications, recovery, results, complications, and psychological effects. A follow-up study examined the incidence of subjective nipple numbness.

RESULTS: The mean pain rating was 4.5 on a 1-10 scale. Both mastopexy (resection weight<300 g per breast) and reduction patients reported a significant reduction in physical symptoms after surgery (p<0.001). The mean result rating was 9.0 n a scale of 1-10. Expectations were met or exceeded in 91.5% of augmentation/mastopexy patients. The reported complication rate was 15.1%. The incidence of persistent nipple numbness was 10.6%. All procedures reduced breast self-consciousness (p<0.001). A correlation was found between the result rating and a lack of complications (p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: All three breast procedures provide a high level of patient satisfaction (94.3%), improved self-esteem (89.3%), and improved quality of life (69.5%). Mastopexy patients report a symptomatic benefit in addition to correction of ptosis. Vertical augmentation/mastopexy provides a high level of patient satisfaction.