Outcome of reduction mammaplasty - a patient's perspective

There have been several studies analysing the outcome of reduction mammapla sty in the literature. Our study is condition specific, with emphasis place d on the patients' subjective experience of treatment. Following a successf ul pilot study, data were obtained from 74 patients' charts and an anonymou s postal questionnaire over a 1-year period. Sixty-six returned the questio nnaire complete (89%). Overall satisfaction with the procedure was high (94 %). The outcome of surgery with respect to breast size, shape, nipple posit ion, sensation and scarring is documented. All patients expressed marked im provement regarding neck pain, back pain, submammary rash, breast pain and shoulder grooving. Other parameters including psychological wellbeing, qual ity of life, time on the waiting list, weight of tissue removed and complic ation rates are analysed. The findings of this study demonstrate overwhelmi ng physical and psychological benefits from surgery. This supports the sugg estion that reduction mammaplasty is not primarily cosmetic, producing sign ificant improvement in symptoms. (C) 2000 The British Association of Plasti c Surgeons.