Breast Augmentation
As one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed today, it’s no wonder breast augmentation has also been one of the biggest sources of study in the world of plastic surgery. Studies performed on quality of life after breast augmentation have shown a considerable improvement in a number of areas of a woman’s life. While aesthetic quality is the first advantage women may think of when they consider breast augmentation, the benefits appear to be much more far-reaching.
What is the Breast-Q?
The Breast-Q questionnaire was developed by researchers to measure the effects of breast augmentation on various aspects of a woman’s life. The survey focuses on six different areas of a woman’s life, including the appearance of the breasts, outcome of the surgery, and care of the breasts post-surgery, as well as the woman’s sexual, physical and psychosocial well-being.
In 2012, researchers provided this original survey to more than 40 women who had undergone breast augmentation surgery. Results of the survey showed significant improvement in the areas of satisfaction with breast appearance, psychosocial well-being and sexual well-being. Satisfaction with breast augmentation was similar to improvements in quality of life after hip replacement surgery.
More Evidence
The Breast-Q has not been the only measure of quality of life after breast augmentation in recent years. Also in 2012, researchers in Finland measured the effects of breast augmentation in terms of quality of life and self-esteem. The study also weighed a woman’s risk of an eating disorder after breast augmentation for cosmetic reasons.
Finland scientists found breast augmentation provided significant improvement in both quality of life and self-esteem for women. In addition, risk of an eating disorder appeared to decline after breast augmentation. Incidences of depression were also decreased after surgery.
Additional studies worldwide have also shown the following benefits of breast augmentation:
- Improvement in physical and social function
- Higher level of mental and general health
- Positive changes to social and sex lives
- Improvements in depression and social anxiety
Studies performed on breast augmentation patients consistently show a variety of improvements in the patient’s quality of life after surgery. Researchers have also found most women are willing to undergo surgery and the recovery time to enjoy the many benefits this procedure has to offer.
Dr. Kahlil Andrews offers a variety of breast augmentation options at his center in Cedar Rapids. To learn more about this procedure, contact Dr. Andrews at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, at 319-800-6877.
