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Now that Dr. Hess has so thoroughly explained considerations of breast implant size, we have another laundry list for you to read.  A 2009 study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery used patient input to formulate 6 criteria for successful breast surgery.  For patients, these are the factors that make an impact on satisfaction and quality of life.  In other words, these are ways that breast surgery can change your life.

1. Better Breasts
Clearly the main goal of cosmetic 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, “Some things are much more fun to put on, and the stuff that I used to wear looks way better–I am sure they looked good before, too–but I just fill in a bit more, look a bit more busty in 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. Improved 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. Improved Sexual Well Being
When people feel more attractive, they generally experience more sexual pleasure.  If breast implants or another surgery improve a woman’s perception of her self and her body, sexual well being can consequently improve.

5.  Great Surgeon-Patient Relationship
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
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.”

The article referenced is called “Satisfaction and quality of life in women who undergo breast surgery: A qualitative study” and you can find it here on BMC Women’s Health.

Here are two questions for our readers:

• Are there goals you have considered for breast surgery that aren’t listed above?
  
• If you have undergone a breast lift, breast reduction, reconstruction, or augmentation, were there additional benefits (or influencing factors) that these researchers haven’t identified?