title: A study of postural changes after breast augmentation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A number of factors, including body mass and one's mood, may influence posture. Breast augmentation results not only in a significant improvement in body image-related feelings and self-esteem but also in a sudden change in body mass. The aim of this study was to assess postural changes following breast augmentation by studying body position, orientation through space, and center of pressure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with breast hypoplasia who underwent breast augmentation were enrolled. Posture evaluation was performed before and 1, 4, and 12 months after surgery by quantifying the center of mass using the Fastrak™ system and the center of pressure using stabilometry. The Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test was used to compare value modifications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-eight patients were enrolled in the study. A retropositioning of the upper part of the body, confirmed by baropodometric analysis, was evident in the early postoperative period. We subsequently observed a reprogramming of the biomechanical system, which reached a state of equilibrium 1 year after surgery, with a slight retropositioning of the head and a compensatory anterior positioning of the pelvis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We believe that with respect to posture, the role played by psychological aspects is even more important than that played by changes in body mass. Indeed, hypomastia is often associated with kyphosis because patients try to hide what they consider a deficiency. Following breast augmentation, the discovery of new breasts overcomes the dissatisfaction with the patient's own body image, increases self-esteem, and modifies posture regardless of the changes in body mass due to the insertion of the implants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy. mazzocc@mclink.it
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazzocchi
authors.forename: Luca Andrea
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Dessy
authors.forename: Pierpaolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Iodice
authors.forename: Raoul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Saggini
authors.forename: Nicolò
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Scuderi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019928:Breast Implantation / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011187:Posture; D055815:Young Adult