The impact of surgical treatment on the self-esteem of patients with breast hypertrophy, hypomastia, or breast asymmetry

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2012 Feb;36(1):223-5. doi: 10.1007/s00266-011-9785-x.

Abstract

Background: Currently, the concept of health includes not only the absence of disease but also a complete state of physical, psychological, and social well-being with increased emphasis on the importance of self-esteem. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of surgical treatment on the self-esteem of patients with breast asymmetry, breast hypertrophy, or hypomastia.

Methods: The Rosenberg Self-Esteem UNIFESP-EPM Scale was administered preoperatively and in the early and late postoperative periods to assess self-esteem. The sample comprised three groups of patients: the breast asymmetry group (n=35), the breast hypertrophy group (n=50), and the hypomastia group (n=40).

Results: Surgical treatment had a positive and similar impact on the self-esteem of the patients in the three study groups.

Conclusions: Correction of breast asymmetry, breast hypertrophy, and hypomastia improved the patient's self-esteem. All three groups reported a similar increase in self-esteem (decrease in total scores) after breast reconstruction.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Breast / surgery*
  • Breast Diseases / psychology*
  • Breast Diseases / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammaplasty / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Concept*
  • Young Adult