6 Factors That Define Successful Cosmetic Breast Surgery

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, based on patient input, revealed 6 aspects of breast surgery that made a profound impact on satisfaction and quality of life.

1. Breast Characteristics
Clearly the main goal of cosmetic breast surgery – participants of the study commented about improvements in breast shape and the clothing options that were now available to them as a result.  One patient with breast implants reports, “Some things are much more fun to put on, and the stuff that I used to wear looks way better–I am sure they looked good before, too–but I just fill in a bit more, look a bit more busty in them.”

2. Physical Well-Being
Breast reduction patients can get relief from back and neck pain, which often allows increased activity and better health.

3. Psychosocial Well-Being
Patients in the study shared the positive changes in self perception and experiences in social settings. Increased confidence and feeling as if you fit the perceived “norm” of the female body are said to be a common benefits of breast surgery.

4. Sexual Well Being
When people feel more attractive, they generally experience more sexual pleasure.  If breast implants or another surgery improve a woman’s perception of her self and her body, sexual well being can consequently improve.

5.  Surgeon-Patient Relationship
Women who experienced a good surgeon-patient relationship – with open, honest communication – expressed more satisfaction with breast surgery.  Patients who had an adverse relationship with the surgeon or staff reported being fearful, uncomfortable, and less satisfied.

6. Overall Satisfaction

Researchers also included the simple category of general satisfaction.  Would you undergo the surgery again?  One breast augmentation patient responds, “there is not one day that goes by that I am not so pleased that I did it.”

You can access a similar article by the same researchers for free at BioMed Central.