An overwhelming 99% of women who have breast surgery are extremely satisfied and would go under the knife again, new research reveals.
The four most common breast procedures - breast augmentation, lifts, combination lift/augmentation and breast reductions – achieve high satisfaction rates; enhance self-esteem and quality of life; and 99 percent of women would have their surgery again, according to a first-of-its-kind American study.
The study found breast lift and lift/augmentation to have a high level of patient satisfaction that rivals breast augmentation and reduction.
'Many studies have shown breast augmentation and reduction are highly gratifying procedures for women, but until now we’ve had limited information on patient satisfaction for breast lift or combination lift/ augmentation,” said researcher Dr Eric Swanson of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
“This data fills in the gap. When the vertical technique is used in the augmentation/lift procedure, patient satisfaction is high.'
In this study, 325 patients were interviewed about their breast procedures over a five year period. Almost all patients, 99 percent, would have their procedure again and 91 percent of patients reported improved self-esteem. Overall, patient satisfaction was 96 percent and the average result rating was 9.2 out of 10.
The study also evaluated preferred breast shape, discomfort level, and recovery. Most women preferred a convex breast shape – a fuller contour at the top of the breast.
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'Naturally, breasts are fuller towards the bottom, but our study found patients want more fullness on top, which is hardly surprising in view of the purpose of bras,' said Swanson.
Patients reported using prescription painkillers for an average of 5.4 days, resumed driving in 5.8 days, returned to work in 7.5 days, and felt 'back to normal' in 27.8 days. Pain rating was moderate overall, 5.4 out of 10, but higher for breast augmentation and lower for breast reduction.
'Prior to breast surgery, women often ask about discomfort level, recovery time, and when they’ll be able to return to normal activities,' said Dr. Swanson. 'With this study, we now have the answers, provided by patients themselves.'
To find out more about the 5 most popular cosmetic procedures, their risks and the pros and cons, Click Here: Cosmetic Procedures - The Big Five
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