THURSDAY, Sept. 8 (HealthDay News) -- Most patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty before massive weight loss are initially satisfied with the results of breast appearance, but after weight loss, they are dissatisfied with the breast contour and shape, according to a study published in the September issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Michelle Coriddi, from the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, and colleagues aimed to characterize patient satisfaction with breast contour relative to the timing of their weight loss in 190 patients who underwent body contouring surgery. A total of 15 patients who underwent reduction mammaplasty before massive weight loss (group I) were compared with a control group of patients who did not undergo breast surgery before massive weight loss (group II). Participants were administered a telephone survey, and evaluated for demographics, comorbidities, body mass index, surgical history, and the weight-loss method used. A total of 14 patients in group I completed the survey.
The investigators found that all patients in group I felt an improvement in the appearance of their breasts after the reduction mammoplasty; as a result of the reduction, 71 and 64 percent of the patients were able to exercise more and lose weight on their own, respectively. All patients in group I felt that the appearance of their breasts worsened or stayed the same following weight loss. A total of 79 percent of the patients in group II felt that the appearance of their breasts worsened or stayed the same after massive weight loss.
"Most reduction patients before massive weight loss are glad they had the reduction and become more active but ultimately needed bariatric surgery to accomplish weight loss goals and are dissatisfied with breast contour following massive weight loss," the authors write. "Thus, patients who are considering bariatric procedures should be encouraged to pursue that operation before proceeding with reduction mammaplasty."
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