The effect of cosmetic surgery on mental self-image and life satisfaction in women undergoing breast augmentation: An intermediate role of evaluating the surgery as one of the most important life events

Change in self-image pressure level before and after autologous fat breast augmentation and its effect on social adaptability

BACKGROUND

There is an increasingly strong demand for appearance and physical beauty in social life, marriage, and other aspects with the development of society and the improvement of material living standards. An increasing number of people have improved their appearance and physical shape through aesthetic plastic surgery. The female breast plays a significant role in physical beauty, and droopy or atrophied breasts can frequently lead to psychological inferiority and lack of confidence in women. This, in turn, can affect their mental health and quality of life.

AIM

To analyze preoperative and postoperative self-image pressure-level changes of autologous fat breast augmentation patients and their impact on social adaptability.

METHODS

We selected 160 patients who underwent autologous fat breast augmentation at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022 using random sampling method. The general information, self-image pressure level, and social adaptability of the patients were investigated using a basic information survey, body image self-assessment scale, and social adaptability scale. The self-image pressure-level changes and their effects on the social adaptability of patients before and after autologous fat breast augmentation were analyzed.

RESULTS

We collected 142 valid questionnaires. The single-factor analysis results showed no statistically significant difference in the self-image pressure level and social adaptability score of patients with different ages, marital status, and monthly income. However, there were significant differences in social adaptability among patients with different education levels and employment statuses. The correlation analysis results revealed a significant correlation between the self-image pressure level and social adaptability score before and after surgery. Multiple factors analysis results showed that the degree of concern caused by appearance in self-image pressure, the degree of possible behavioral intervention, the related distress caused by body image, and the influence of body image on social life influenced the social adaptability of autologous fat breast augmentation patients.

CONCLUSION

The self-image pressure on autologous fat breast augmentation patients is inversely proportional to their social adaptability.

Long-Term Satisfaction with Breast Augmentation and Augmentation Mastopexy in the Latin American Population

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to determine the long-term satisfaction levels of women who have undergone breast augmentation and augmentation mastopexy procedures, while identifying the factors influencing patient satisfaction.

METHODS

A self-reported retrospective case study design was used to collect data from women with breast implants. The study employed a survey that included demographic information, preoperative diagnosis, implant details, and patient-reported outcomes measured using the Breast-Q Instrument, which evaluates satisfaction with breasts, self-esteem, sexual well-being, and physical symptoms. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify correlations and differences in outcomes between the different variables.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 1022 women from 19 countries, with Chile, Mexico, and Colombia being the most represented. Augmentation was performed on 72.2% of the patients, while 27.7% underwent augmentation mastopexy. Patient satisfaction with breast size and shape varied significantly between the two procedures, with patients undergoing augmentation mastopexy showing less satisfaction. In addition, patients who were unaware of their implant shape or placement reported lower satisfaction scores. The study also found that patient satisfaction decreased over time in the augmentation mastopexy cases and that patients with high body mass index had lower satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Augmentation mastopexy in patients with breast ptosis yields lower satisfaction than augmentation alone. Dissatisfaction escalates with overweight/obesity (BMI), post-surgery time, and misinformation. Implant pocket (pre-vs. subpectoral), shape (round vs. anatomical), and size did not impact satisfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

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