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.
Plain Language Summary
In this study, we looked at the quality of life (QoL) of individuals with breast hypertrophy before and after having breast reduction surgery. This study is needed to provide individuals with breast hypertrophy with information about how breast reduction could improve their QoL. It is also necessary to understand patients’ views on breast reduction surgery so that medical health providers can provide appropriate counsel to individuals with breast hypertrophy. The study compared patients’ QoL before their breast reduction surgery to their QoL after the procedure. The study’s findings revealed that individuals with breast hypertrophy saw an improvement in their QoL following breast reduction surgery. It is recommended that people with breast hypertrophy consider breast reduction surgery as a treatment option because it decreases symptoms and improves QoL.
