title: Analysis of satisfaction and well-being in the short follow-up from breast augmentation using the BREAST-Q, a validated survey instrument.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Improvements in satisfaction and quality of life following breast augmentation have been shown in the literature. However, few studies have used validated survey instruments. The BREAST-Q is a strong and validated questionnaire for breast augmentation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The authors implement the BREAST-Q to analyze patient-reported satisfaction and quality of life following breast augmentation.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective study, all patients who underwent breast augmentation with a single surgeon (AT) between January 2008 and May 2009 were asked to fill out BREAST-Q surveys anonymously during the preoperative and 6-week postoperative periods. Statistical analysis was performed and a P value of <.05 was considered significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 155 patients who underwent breast augmentation during the study time period, 59 (38%) completed the preoperative survey and 70 (45%) completed the postoperative survey. Significant improvements were seen for satisfaction with breast appearance (P < .001), psychosocial well-being (P < .001), and sexual well-being (P < .01) between pre- and postoperative surveys. Conversely, a significant decrease was seen in the physical well-being category (P < .001). Satisfaction with overall outcomes most strongly correlated to satisfaction with appearance of breasts (r = 0.8) and less strongly with psychosocial well-being and sexual well-being (r = 0.6). No correlation was found between satisfaction with overall outcomes and physical well-being (r = 0.0).
  
  
  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, the authors have shown that breast augmentation significantly improves satisfaction with breast appearance, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being and that overall satisfaction is most strongly correlated with breast appearance satisfaction.
authors: Department of Plastic Surgery, Wexner Medical Center at the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA.Michelle.coriddi@osumc.edu
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Coriddi
authors: Tyler
authors: T
authors: Angelos
authors: Meghan
authors: M
authors: Nadeau
authors: Myla
authors: M
authors: Bennett
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019928:Breast Implantation / Q000523:psychology*; D018427:Breast Implants / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult