Quality of life after transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation-A prospective study.

[BACKGROUND] The authors' previous research suggested the hypothesis that aesthetic surgery in general has a positive impact on quality of life (QoL). This prospective study aimed to investigate the indication-specific effect on QoL in patients undergoing transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation.

[METHODS] Seventy-seven patients underwent aesthetic breast augmentation. Fifty patients met the inclusion criteria. All of them answered one set of the questionnaires preoperatively, and the follow-up set at 6 months postoperatively. The testing instruments included a self-developed indication-specific questionnaire and five standardised and validated questionnaires with German norm data available: Questions on Life Satisfaction, Modules (FLZ, German version), the Freiburg Personality Inventory-Revised (FPI-R), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SRES), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) and the Breast-Q | Augmentation.

[RESULTS] Our self-developed indication-specific questionnaire shows high satisfaction with the postoperative results. The FLZ demonstrated significant improvements in the module life in general (p < 0.001), 'hobbies' (p < 0.001), 'health' (p = 0.04), 'family life' (p = 0.03) and 'partner relationship/sexuality' (p < 0.001). Moreover, the FPI-R revealed a significant improvement in emotional stability (p < 0.001). Moreover, the PHQ-4 showed a significant reduction in overall psychological distress (p < 0.001). Further, Breast-Q indicated a significant increase in psychological (p < 0.001) and sexual well-being (p < 0.001).

[CONCLUSION] Transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation has a significant impact on QoL and sexuality. The surgery leads to a higher satisfaction not only with the result of intervention and the outer appearance specifically, but also with life and the state of health generally. It improves emotional stability. Therefore, the authors' hypothesis in a previous research was confirmed for this specific indication prospectively.