New York — Results of the BREAST-Q questionnaire indicate women who undergo breast augmentation surgery report substantial improvement in several key quality-of-life areas.
A research team led by Colleen M. McCarthy, M.D., of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, developed the BREAST-Q questionnaire to evaluate changes in six areas: satisfaction with breasts and with overall outcome; psychosocial, sexual and physical well-being; and satisfaction with care. Forty-one women completed the questionnaire six months before and after undergoing cosmetic breast augmentation surgery with implants, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports.
The group results showed that more than 80 percent of the women surveyed reported “significant improvement” in three out of the six areas: satisfaction with breasts (average scores increased from 27 to 70 on a zero-to-100 scale), psychosocial well-being (from 45 to 78), and sexual well-being (from 35 to 72).
According to an ASPS news release, researchers believe the BREAST-Q can provide “tangible evidence” of patient satisfaction, improve communication, and help in establishing the expected results of cosmetic breast augmentation.
Researchers concluded using the BREAST-Q in future studies and clinical practice would be useful in providing benchmarks for patient satisfaction and quality of life, especially psychological outcomes.
The study appears in the July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
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