How to Measure Success in Cosmetic Breast Surgery
Cosmetic breast surgery is clearly more than a simple appearance change. A multitude of factors affect the patient’s health and quality of life after the procedure. Last August, several physicians published an article outlining 6 important factors that define successful breast surgery.
A brief summary of those factors is below:
Enhanced Breast Appearance
Improving your appearance is obviously the main objective in cosmetic breast surgery – participants of the study mention benefits related to breast shape and the wider variety of clothing options that were now available to them.
One respondent said: “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.”
Physical Wellness
Breast reduction patients can get relief from back and neck pain, which often allows increased activity and better health.
Psychosocial Wellness
Positive changes in self-perception and positive experiences in social settings were reported. Increased confidence and feeling as if you fit the perceived “norm” of the female body were reported benefits.
Improved Sexual Life
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, her sexual life may improve.
Good 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.
Overall Satisfaction
Researchers also included the simple category of general satisfaction. Would you undergo the surgery again? “There is not one day that goes by that I am not so pleased that I did it,” said one breast augmentation patient.