Randomized clinical trial examining psychosocial and quality of life benefits of bilateral breast reduction surgery

BACKGROUND: The aim was to determine the effects of bilateral reduction mammaplasty on quality of life and psychosocial functioning in women with mammary hypertrophy. METHODS: Seventy-three women who were referred to either the Hull Breast Unit or Hull Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit were randomized to early or delayed surgery. Both groups had quality of life and psychosocial assessment. Each group underwent two sets of tests. Women who had early bilateral breast reduction were tested before and at 4 months after surgery, whereas those in the control group were tested at the time of randomization and 4 months later, before undergoing surgery. RESULTS: All 73 women completed the study. Mean age was 39 years, and the two groups were well matched for age, body mass index and breast dimension. There were highly significant differences between groups in scores measured on the Functional Assessment of Non-Life Threatening Conditions version 4, EuroQoL, and both mental and physical scales of Short Form 36 (P < 0.001). The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised demonstrated a statistically significant increase in extroversion and emotional stability in the early treatment group. CONCLUSION: Reduction mammaplasty significantly improved quality of life, and increased extroversion and emotional stability.