[Increased self-confidence and decreased sexual discomfort after subpectoral mammaplasty].
BACKGROUND
The study objectively discusses the causal relationship between submuscular breast augmentation mammaplasty and improved aspects of quality of life. The goal was to assess a possible increase in certain aspects after undergoing cosmetic breast enlargement surgery under consideration of 4 different aspects.


METHODS
Between 2005 and 2006, a total of 65 women were given a standardised patient questionnaire (body image assessment questionnaire) preoperatively as well as 6 months postoperatively after undergoing cosmetic submuscular augmentation mammaplasty: 58 of these questionnaires could be evaluated successfully. All of the patients had undergone augmentation mammaplasty for the first time. The following criteria were assessed and evaluated using a point value system (0-100 points): attractiveness/self-confidence, insecurity/anxiety, emphasis placed on physical appearance, and sexual discomfort.


RESULTS
With regard to the questions dealing with attractiveness/self-confidence, a highly significant improvement in the patient's self-assessment of said criteria after undergoing cosmetic submuscular augmentation mammaplasty as compared to their own preoperative assessment was apparent. In addition, a significantly improved level of sexual satisfaction after the medical procedure was also demonstrated. In the same fashion, the answers to the series of questions dealing with emphasis placed on physical appearance also exhibited a positive change. The only topic that exhibited next to no change was the series of questions dealing with insecurity/anxiety.


CONCLUSIONS
Cosmetic augmentation mammaplasty is an available therapy that can increase a patient's own self-assessment of attractiveness and self-confidence in a significant way. In addition, this operation leads to a significant increase in sexual satisfaction, and because of this and the aforementioned change of emphasis placed on physical appearance, an overall improvement in certain aspects of the quality of life can be achieved.
Martin-Luther-Krankenhaus, Klinik für Plastische Chirurgie, Berlin. bruck.pc@t-online.de
J C
JC
Bruck
A
A
Kleinschmidt
C
C
Ottomann
D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D019928:Breast Implantation / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult