Patient satisfaction following inverted-T and short-scar mammaplasty as measured by the breast evaluation questionnaire 55

Abstract

Background: Mastopexy combined with silicone implant placement is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgeries. Various techniques have been developed to increase the degree of patient satisfaction after surgery. The goal is to give the breasts a harmonious shape, generating the smallest scars possible. The Breast Evaluation Questionnaire 55 (BEQ 55) was developed in 2006 as a tool for assessing the satisfaction and comfort of patients with the general appearance of their breasts. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the degree of satisfaction of patients undergoing mastopexy by the inverted-T technique vs the short-scar technique by the BEQ 55. Methods: The BEQ 55 was administered pre- and postoperatively to 200 patients who underwent mastopexy performed by the first author between October 2013 and September 2017. One hundred patients underwent the short-scar technique, and 100 patients underwent the inverted-T technique. Results: The first analysis used descriptive statistics. Relative frequencies were used to track the responses corresponding to each technique. There was an increase in the level of patient comfort and satisfaction with breast appearance after surgery in both groups. The short-scar technique was shown to be superior, with statistical significance (P < 0.05) found for the questions evaluating comfort with overall appearance naked, comfort with breast appearance naked, and satisfaction with breast appearance. Conclusions: Both techniques improved the patients' satisfaction and comfort with their breasts. When the short-scar technique was used, patients were more comfortable with their breast appearance and with their overall appearance naked.