The outcome of reduction mammaplasty is affected more by psychosocial factors than by changes in breast dimensions.

[BACKGROUND AND AIMS] Several randomised studies have proved the effects of breast reduction surgery. However, search for predictive factors has not been successful. Therefore we decided to analyse breast dimension changes and to see whether these, or patient characteristics or individual psychosocial factors have an effect on the outcome.

[MATERIAL AND METHODS] Twenty-nine patients were assessed at baseline and at six months follow-up. Outcome measures used were two health-related quality of life questionnaires, a breast-associated symptoms questionnaire, a pain-rating questionnaire, and a mood questionnaire. Detailed breast dimensions were recorded. Forward stepwise linear regression was applied to detect possible associations between outcome measure changes and breast dimensions or patient-related factors.

[RESULTS] Preoperatively anxious patients had more improvement in the quality of life index scores, but less improvement in the mental health scores when compared to patients not anxious. Patients with physically demanding work had more improvement in the quality of life index scores and a trend to less improvement in the mental health scores when compared to patients with physically less stressful work. Patients with no overweight had a trend to better improvement in self-esteem.

[CONCLUSIONS] The outcome of reduction mammaplasty is affected more by psychosocial factors than by changes in breast dimensions.