New Study Shows Surgical Treatment On Breast Asymmetry Improves Quality Of Life

Findings from a study
released in the November/December issue of the Aesthetic Surgery
Journal suggests that surgical treatment for breast asymmetry
(disproportionate breast size) provides an improvement in the quality of
life and self-esteem of patients. Breast asymmetry is not uncommon in
women; in fact, few women have perfectly symmetrical breasts.


"Breast shape and size irregularities can cause damaging physical and
emotional consequences," said Miguel Sabino Neto, MD, PhD, lead author of
the study. "While plastic surgery of the breast can provide an
aesthetically acceptable result with few complications, it is important to
also consider the impact on the physical, social and psychological
well-being of the patient."



Thirty-five patients with breast asymmetry were selected for the
evaluation of the impact of breast asymmetry surgery on self-esteem and
health-related quality of life. Patients that participated in the Brazilian
study ranged from ages 16 to 50 years old.



Patients completed the Brazilian version of the SF-36, a quality of
life indicator that measures eight dimensions of health status, including
physical function, role limitations caused by physical problems, pain,
health perception, vitality, social function, role limitations caused by
emotional problems, and mental health. Participating patients also
completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, which evaluates quality of life
based on responses to ten questions on the subject of self-esteem. Both
were completed before and after surgery at three and six months
post-operative follow-up.



A progressive improvement in all dimensions of the SF-36 was observed,
with scores that were significantly higher for emotional factors at three
months after surgery and for pain, vitality and mental health six months
after surgery. Self-esteem was also found to be statistically significant.



"These findings underscore the positive effect that surgical treatment
can have on patients with breast asymmetry," said Foad Nahai, MD, Atlanta
plastic surgeon, President of ASAPS and Associate Editor of ASJ. "The
results of such surgery go far beyond aesthetics, more importantly
improving the self-esteem and quality of life of these patients."



About ASJ



The Aesthetic Surgery Journal is the peer-reviewed publication of the
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and is the most
widely read clinical journal in the field of cosmetic surgery, with
subscribers in more than 60 countries.



About ASAPS



The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is the leading
organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic
plastic surgery. ASAPS active-member plastic surgeons are certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Canada. surgery


American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

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