FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO PATIENT SATISFACTION WITH BREAST RECONSTRUCTION USING SILICONE GEL IMPLANTS

Recently, concerns have been raised about risks and benefits of silico ne gel implants for breast reconstruction. Using a survey conducted du ring the silicone controversy that began in 1990, this study examines patient satisfaction in 174 women with silicone breast implants. Overa ll satisfaction was high; 43 percent indicated complete satisfaction, and only 3 percent stated they were ''not at all'' satisfied. Satisfac tion was correlated with each woman's assessment of how reconstruction met her expectations, particularly expectations about clothes fitting better, feeling whole, looking normal, and having similar-appearing b reasts. Higher levels of satisfaction also were associated with lower body mass index and absence of medical problems. While patients appear ed satisfied with their reconstructions, 34 percent said they would be completely unlikely to choose silicone implants today. Further resear ch is needed to understand the impact of the silicone breast implant d ebate on women who have had or may consider breast reconstruction.