Patient self-assessment of the cosmetic results of breast reconstruction.

Abstract

In a previous study, the authors evaluated factors that contribute to patient satisfaction with breast reconstruction, using a comprehensive chart review and questionnaire. The results of part of this questionnaire, regarding patients' rating of the cosmetic result of their breast reconstruction, are presented in this article. The questionnaire was mailed to 267 patients, 214 questionnaires (80.1 percent) were returned, and 200 contained a response to the question rating the overall cosmetic outcome of breast reconstruction (Fig. 1). To conduct a statistical analysis, the data were collapsed into two smaller groups. An "excellent" or "good" result was considered a "favorable" outcome, while lower responses were "unfavorable" outcomes. The outcome was rated as excellent by 82 patients, good by 76 patients, fair by 31 patients, and poor by 11 patients. A significant association was found between overall cosmesis and breast size, shape, or scars. It should not be assumed that patients' responses regarding satisfaction with reconstruction will reflect their specific feelings regarding cosmetic results.