What do satisfied patients say about breast augmentation? How do we define success in this field? The August 2009 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery includes an article in which 6 factors related to breast augmentation success were identified, based on a study of patient surveys.
1. Satisfactory Breast Characteristics
This is clearly the main goal of any elective 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 comments, “I have really nice voluptuous, rounded, normal-sized perky breasts and I am sooo happy with them.”
2. Better Physical Well-Being
Breast reduction patients can get relief from back and neck pain, which often allows increased activity and better health.
3. Better 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. Better Sexual Well Being
Enhancements in breast shape and size can bring improvements in sexual pleasure, largely because it alleviates “negative feelings about the breasts” that often cause women to feel less attractive.
5. A Positive Experience With Surgeon
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 i.e. Fulfilled Expectations
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.”
A similar article – “Satisfaction and quality of life in women who undergo breast surgery: A qualitative study” can be found on Biomed Central.
