It was known how the type of breast reconstruction affects a woman’s psyche UMCG: breast reconstruction with the patient’s tissue provides greater satisfaction 12:41

Scientists from the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) found that women who had breast reconstruction using their own tissue were more satisfied with their breasts than those who had implant-based reconstruction. The research was published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Reconstructive mammoplasty is an operation to repair the mammary gland after surgery or injury. In the new study, researchers compared quality of life scores using the BREAST-Q questionnaire between 63 women who chose autologous breast reconstruction using a flap of their own skin and other tissues versus 75 women who chose implant-based reconstruction. Participants completed surveys six weeks and six months after surgery.

Before surgery, women in the autologous group had lower scores on all BREAST-Q measures: 49 points (on a scale of 0 to 100) for breast satisfaction, 59 points for women choosing implant-based reconstruction. The rate of serious complications was also higher with autologous reconstruction: 27% versus 12%. Therefore, the researchers expected women in the autologous group to have lower quality of life scores at follow-up.

However, the analysis refuted this hypothesis. Women who underwent autologous reconstruction had higher breast satisfaction scores at both six weeks (mean 62 vs. 51) and six months (68 vs. 57). Psychosocial and sexual well-being scores were also higher in the autologous reconstruction group. Most other quality of life assessments, including overall satisfaction with results, did not differ between groups.

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