What do women want in breast reconstruction? Age-adhered surgery or rejuvenation?

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the desires of women in breast reconstruction. Method: A questionnaire to women was given by an online publication and an offline paper printout. The task was to choose between two reconstructive options in an imaginary situation of being diagnosed with breast cancer and having the need to undergo a mutilating operation. In option one, the women were asked if they would want to look as before and receive a breast reconstruction that matches the former breast in size and shape as closely as possible, even if ptotic; or in option two, if they would want to use the opportunity to look aesthetically ideal with a new lifted/rejuvenated appearance of the reconstructed breast, and to accept a changing/lifting breast operation also on the healthy side, which otherwise would not need an operation. Results: The online questionnaire was answered by predominantly a young age group of women with a mean birth year of 1987. From 262 women, 183 (69.8%) chose option one and 79 (30.2%) chose option two. Young women with smaller breasts and a family history of breast cancer were among those who tended even more frequently to opt for option one. The offline questionnaire was answered predominantly by an older age group of women with a mean birth year of 1961. From 110 women, 84 (76%) chose option one and 26 (24%) chose option two. The tendency to prefer option one was even stronger in the older group. Conclusion: The majority of women desire to recreate their own natural and ptotic breast shape in reconstructive surgery without contralateral adjusting surgery. Younger women with smaller breasts and women of all ages with a family history of breast cancer more frequently prefer an operation on only the involved side. Women opted for good rather than excellent breast symmetry.

Keywords

• Breast reconstruction
• Goals
• Age-adhered surgery
• Rejuvenation
• Quality of life