Published in:
01-02-2012 | Letter to the Editor
The Impact of Surgical Treatment on the Self-Esteem of Patients with Breast Hypertrophy, Hypomastia, or Breast Asymmetry
Published in: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery | Issue 1/2012
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Background
Currently, the concept of health includes not only the absence of disease but also a complete state of physical, psychological, and social well-being with increased emphasis on the importance of self-esteem. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of surgical treatment on the self-esteem of patients with breast asymmetry, breast hypertrophy, or hypomastia.
Methods
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem UNIFESP-EPM Scale was administered preoperatively and in the early and late postoperative periods to assess self-esteem. The sample comprised three groups of patients: the breast asymmetry group (n = 35), the breast hypertrophy group (n = 50), and the hypomastia group (n = 40).
Results
Surgical treatment had a positive and similar impact on the self-esteem of the patients in the three study groups.
Conclusions
Correction of breast asymmetry, breast hypertrophy, and hypomastia improved the patient’s self-esteem. All three groups reported a similar increase in self-esteem (decrease in total scores) after breast reconstruction.