Abstract
Background Silicone breast implants were introduced into the surgical practice in the 1960s and have been widely used ever since, but with a decreasing percentage in aesthetic surgeries and with an increase in breast explant surgeries. The objective of the present study was to evaluate body image and quality of life before and after breast implant removal.
Materials and Methods The BREAST-Q questionnaire and the Breast Evaluation Questionnaire were applied pre- and postoperatively to 11 patients undergoing breast implant removal.
Results The BREAST-Q, with a score ranging from 0 to 100, revealed that satisfaction with the breasts increased from 52.3 to 64.3, and the mean satisfaction with the outcome was of 85.9. According to the Breast Evaluation Questionnaire, with a score ranging from 1 to 5, satisfaction with the appearance of the breasts increased from 3.0 to 3.8.
Conclusion The study suggests improved body image after breast implant removal, but further data is required to draw relevant conclusions.
Keywords body image - breast implants - mastodynia - quality of life - surgery - plastic
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