Analysis of satisfaction and well-being following breast reduction using a validated survey instrument: the BREAST-Q.

[BACKGROUND] Breast reduction surgery has been proven in the literature to have a high rate of patient satisfaction, with improvement in quality of life. However, few studies have used validated survey instruments. The BREAST-Q is the only questionnaire to evaluate breast reduction that meets international and federal standards for questionnaire development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to implement this survey to analyze patient-reported satisfaction and quality of life following breast reduction.

[METHODS] All patients seen in consultation for breast reduction between January of 2008 and May of 2009 were asked to fill out BREAST-Q surveys anonymously, both preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed and a value of p < 0.05 was considered significant.

[RESULTS] Forty-nine patients underwent breast reduction performed by a single surgeon (A.T.) during the study period. Of these patients, 38 (78 percent) completed the prereduction survey and 38 (78 percent) completed the postreduction survey. Statistically significant improvements were observed in satisfaction with breast appearance, psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, and physical well-being. Satisfaction with overall outcomes most strongly correlated to satisfaction with breast appearance.

[CONCLUSIONS] As the implementation of evidence-based medicine continues to grow in everyday practice, there is increasing pressure to use validated survey instruments to demonstrate patient-reported outcomes. In this study, we have shown that breast reduction significantly improves satisfaction with breast appearance and psychosocial, sexual, and physical well-being, and that overall patient satisfaction is most strongly correlated with satisfaction in appearance of their breasts

[CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] Therapeutic, IV.