BREAST-Q Analysis of Reduction Mammaplasty: Do Postoperative Complications of Breast Reduction Surgery Negatively Affect Patient Satisfaction?

[BACKGROUND] Reduction mammaplasty can provide symptomatic relief to patients suffering from macromastia; however, complications such as dehiscence are common. It is unknown if the presence of complications affects patient-reported outcomes.

[OBJECTIVES] The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for the development of complications, and to examine the correlation between postoperative complications and patient-reported outcomes in reduction mammaplasty.

[METHODS] A single-center retrospective chart review was undertaken of patients who received reduction mammaplasties (CPT 19318), performed by 13 surgeons, between January 2017 and February 2023. Breast cancer cases and oncoplastic reconstructions were excluded. Patients with >1 complication were grouped into the complications cohort. Satisfaction was assessed by administering the BREAST-Q survey.

[RESULTS] A total of 661 patients were included for analysis, 131 of whom developed at least 1 complication. Patients in the group with complications had significantly higher average ages and BMIs, and a higher likelihood of hypertension and diabetes (P < .01). Among 180 BREAST-Q responders, 41 had at least 1 complication. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups (complications vs no complications) across survey outcomes. Although obese patients were more likely to develop infection and require revisions (P < .01), no significant differences in subgroup analysis of patient-reported outcomes focusing on obese patients were observed.

[CONCLUSIONS] Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes were associated with postoperative complications of reduction mammaplasty. Patients with complications had similar postoperative BREAST-Q satisfaction to patients without complications. Although risk optimization is critical, patients and surgeons should be reassured that satisfaction may be achieved even in the event of a complication.