The study, conducted in 15 plastic surgery practices throughout the U.S., included 291 preoperative patients and a control group of 195. Participants completed several validated measures of physical health, mental health, pain and quality of life. Prior to surgery, the preoperative patients had scores significantly lower than population norms in all health categories and reported a greater total pain rating. After surgery and more than eight months follow-up, the evaluations of 179 patients reported significant improvement in physical and mental categories. In addition, pain levels were significantly lower, and quality of life was improved.
Many people underestimate the suffering that is caused by heavy breasts.
This study offers a more objective way to understand how breast reduction, a safe, simple and effective procedure, can increase the health and quality of life for many women. The second trial, conducted by Laurie Casas, MD, a plastic surgeon in Glenview, Ill., is also a prospective study and included 55 consecutive patients. Its purpose was to prove with statistical accuracy that reduction surgery improves health and quality of life. By providing treatment for all patients in a single center with the same surgeon and physical therapist, all evaluation procedures were totally constant. In addition to using validated questionnaires, which provide subjective responses from patients, one physical therapist also measured back and chest muscle strength and postural body alignment.