Measuring the Unmeasurable: Challenges Associated With Objective Assessment of Aesthetic Outcomes Following Breast Reconstruction.

Abstract

Current approaches for assessing breast reconstruction outcomes are based on subjective and objective criteria. Subjective analysis is often performed by assessing patient-reported outcomes, of which the BREAST-Q is most common. Objective analysis is often performed by photographic analysis of various breast parameters based on a grading scale that can be numeric or qualitative (poor-excellent). Both are useful, but both are also limited in that the subjective and objective assessments may not correlate. This paper explores the current role, strengths, and limitations of these assessment tools and what is on the horizon. Level of Evidence: 5 (Therapeutic) For image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text.