Submitted by Dr. Laura Randolph
Reasons may vary as to why women elect to have breast augmentation surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the reason is simple: women get breast augmentation surgery because they are dissatisfied with their breast size. Some women want to improve the balance of their figure and improve self-image, while other women want to restore breast volume after weight loss or child birth. But regardless of the reason why, how many women are really satisfied with their results?
Well, the results are clear: 98% of women undergoing breast augmentation surgery say the results met or exceeded their expectations, according to a study in the May 2016 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®. In the study of 225 consecutive women who returned for interviews at least 1 month after breast augmentation over a 5-year period, women also reported improvements in self-esteem and quality of life after breast augmentation. In addition, on a 10-point scale, women reported an average pain score during recovery of 5.9. On average, they used prescription pain medication for 5 days and were off work 7 days. Patients felt they were “back to normal” about 25 days after surgery, the new study showed.
Furthermore, 85% of women rated their new breast size “just right.” 13% would have preferred a larger size, and less than 2% wished they had chosen a smaller size. Only 1% expressed dissatisfaction with their scars. Seventy-five percent of women rated their breast firmness “just right.” When asked to rate the result, more than half of the patients gave it a perfect 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. Almost all patients (98%) reported that the results met or exceeded their expectations. On another note, nearly 40% of the patients surveyed experienced at least temporary nipple numbness after surgery. Persistent numbness was reported by only 2% of patients. The complication rate reported by patients was 10%.
When asked about psychological effects, 92% of women reported improved self-esteem after breast augmentation, and 64% reported an improved quality of life. Before surgery, the majority of women (86%) were self-conscious about their breasts. After surgery, only 13% were self-conscious about them.
Electing to have cosmetic surgery may not be right for everyone, but the choice is personal and the individual outcome is what truly matters.
Source: Plastic Surgery Practice
For more information regarding breast augmentation or other cosmetic surgery procedures contact Dr. Laura Randolph—309-664-6222.
