Quality of Life in Patients Pre- and Post-Breast Reduction Surgery in a South African Population: A Single-Centred Patient-Based Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Breast hypertrophy is the abnormal enlargement of breast tissue resulting in extremely large breasts and is a regular condition among women worldwide. It can affect different aspects of their life, including their psycho-social, sexual, emotional, and physical well-being. This study aimed to assess the quality of life in individuals with breast hypertrophy both before and after undergoing breast reduction surgery.

Methods: Two sets of questionnaires (preoperative and post-operative) were formulated and distributed to 18 patients (median age of 31, age range: 18-48 years) undergoing breast reduction surgery. Patients were also provided with an informed consent form.

Results: Preoperatively, most patients expressed different levels of dissatisfaction with themselves across all categories. However, post-operatively, significant levels (p < 0.05, p < 0.001) of satisfaction were demonstrated by patients, as 100% of them reported a reduction in back pain and heaviness of breasts, and 100% reported improvement in their self-confidence. Also, 94% and 65% reported improvement in their social interaction and sexual life, respectively, while 83% and 61% of patients reported satisfaction in carrying their grocery shopping bags and their engagement in regular exercise programs, respectively.

Conclusion: The study illustrates that breast reduction surgery had a positive effect on the quality of life of patients as a significant proportion of them reported improvement and satisfaction across all categories following the procedure.