Evaluation of results from reduction mammaplasty: relief of symptoms and patient satisfaction.

Reduction mammoplasty is one of the most common operations performed in plastic surgery clinics. Although patients present with functional symptoms, the aim of treatment usually is obtaining aesthetic satisfaction. This retrospective study evaluated charts and operation notes of patients and a self-assessment questionnaire. A detailed questionnaire form was sent to 121 patients who had undergone reduction mammaplasty at the Dokuz Eylul University Medical Faculty Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic between 1991 and 2001. The questionnaire asked the subjects about pre- and postoperative, physical, and psychosocial symptoms, as well as operative satisfaction. The results were evaluated with respect to different techniques. The findings showed that reduction mammaplasty remains a very satisfying procedure for most of the patients undergoing this operation, as indicated by the high rate of patient satisfaction. The limited number of studies in this area and the lack of groups conducting such work in our society indicates the importance of similar study.