Main Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction After Primary Breast Augmentation: A Prospective Study Based on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.

BACKGROUND: Primary breast augmentation is one of the most sought-after procedures in cosmetic surgery. It is generally related to a high degree of patient satisfaction, but it is not always obvious which factors have greater influence on patient satisfaction.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate how anthropometric, psychological and social parameters, in association with the main surgical variables, influenced patients' satisfaction with their breasts after surgery.

METHODS: Patients undergoing primary breast augmentation between October 2018 and February 2022, who completed a 12-month follow-up without complications, were enrolled in the study. For each patient we recorded: BMI, pinch test (upper pole of the breast), surgical access, implant pocket, implant volume, bra size increase, age, smoking habit, civil status, education level, pregnancies and psychiatric disorders. Each variable was statistically correlated with patients' satisfaction, assessed by BREAST-Q© questionnaire preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS: Analyzing the data of the 131 patients, we found 3 factors affecting their satisfaction (p-value <0.05): BMI: underweight patients were less satisfied than normal and overweight patients; pinch test: patients with a pinch test ≥2 cm were more satisfied; volume of the implant and bra size increase: patients with implant volume <300 cc and less than 2 bra size increase were less satisfied than patients with larger augmentation.

CONCLUSIONS: BMI, pinch test, implant volume and extent of volumetric enhancement should be taken into careful consideration by the surgeon during preoperative consultation and surgical planning, since they can be critical to patient satisfaction.