[Changes in the psychosomatic status following operative augmentation and reduction of the female breast. Catamnestic study from the operative-gynecologic and psychosomatic viewpoints].

We performed preoperatively a psychiatric and psychosomatic exploration of women who came to us with a request for performing breast-corrective surgery. 18 months after the operation, these women were again examined both gynaecologically and psychosomatically. Subsequent to a postoperative course without complications and with primary wound healing, 88% of the surgically treated women considered the result to be in accordance with their expectations, and the size of their breast as adequate. Analysis of variance of the personality data reveals that patients with hypoplasia or hyperplasia of the breast do not differ from each other in respect of their personality characteristics. Preoperatively, the patients assessed themselves on the average very negatively with regard to social resonance, and proved to be very depressive. After plastic surgery of the breast, i.e. after anatomic correction, definite changes are seen in the mental field. A significant improvement is noticeable in the way the patients experience themselves, their body, and their self-value. The same also applies to the experience of their sexuality, to social relationships and social resonance, social potency, and partner relationship. All these were assessed by the patients as considerably improved (significant on the 1% level).