Is Time a Factor in Quality of Life Improvement Following Breast Reduction

Background Macromastia (breast hypertrophy) has significant influence on patients' quality of life (QoL), therefore surgical treatment has a clear medical benefit. Rapid improvements in musculoskeletal complaints are being reported long before when final aesthetic results are traditionally evaluated. Objectives The study aim is to use the RAND Health Status Survey, a modified validated short-form-36, to analyze patient QoL after breast reduction, and examine whether QoL changes as a function of time post operation. Methods In this cross-sectional study, included were 50 consecutive selected female patients who underwent breast reduction surgery during January 2016 - December 2019, by a single surgeon using the same technique. Changes in QoL were reported based on a modified SF-36 survey, with scores standardized according to the mean of the general population. Time intervals between the operations and surveys were recorded. Results The patients were divided into three categories according to time since their operation (˂3 months, 3-12 months and ˃12 months), and assessed pre- and post-operatively. Average amount of breast tissue removed was 479.97±159.38 grams per breast. Mean follow-up time was 15.02±14.3 months. All patients were satisfied with their new breasts' shapes and none reported to have suffered major complications postoperatively. For all three groups, patients' scores in the SF36 survey post- compared to pre-operation indicated improvement unrelated to time elapsed from operation. Conclusions Breast reduction improves symptoms and well-being, unrelated to amount of tissue removed nor to time elapsed post-surgery. This improvement is rapid and may lead to better coverage from medical insurance providers.