Is Time a Factor in Quality of Life Improvement Following Breast Reduction?

[BACKGROUND] Macromastia (breast hypertrophy) has a significant influence on patients' quality of life (QoL), and surgical treatment therefore offers clear medical benefits.Rapid improvements in musculoskeletal complaints are being reported long before final aesthetic results are traditionally evaluated.

[OBJECTIVES] The aim of this study was to use the RAND Health Status Survey, in modified validated Short Form 36 (SF-36), to analyze patient QoL after breast reduction, and examine whether QoL changes as a function of postoperative time.

[METHODS] This cross-sectional study included 50 consecutive selected female patients who underwent breast reduction surgery by the same technique performed by a single surgeon between January 2016 and December 2019. Changes in QoL were reported based on a modified SF-36 survey, with scores standardized according to the mean of the general population. Time intervals between the operations and surveys were recorded.

[RESULTS] The patients were divided into 3 categories according to time since their operation (<3 months, 3-12 months, and >12 months), and assessed pre- and postoperatively. The mean [standard deviation] weight of breast tissue removed was 479.97 [159.38] g per breast. Mean follow-up time was 15.02 [14.3] months. All patients were satisfied with the shape of their new breasts and none reported to have suffered major complications postoperatively. For all 3 groups, patients' scores in the SF-36 survey post- compared with preoperation indicated improvement unrelated to time elapsed since operation.

[CONCLUSIONS] Breast reduction improves symptoms and well-being, unrelated to amount of tissue removed or to time elapsed postsurgery. This improvement is rapid and may lead to better coverage from medical insurance providers.