Bilateral breast reduction surgery in elderly women – A retrospective review of outcomes

Summary Background Breast reduction surgery is successful in improving symptoms associated with breast hypertrophy. We sought to substantiate this in the elderly patient and ascertain how they regarded the outcome. Methods The WHO defines elderly as 60 and over. All elderly patients undergoing BBR f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery reconstructive & aesthetic surgery, 2012-03, Vol.65 (3), p.304-311
Main Authors: Taylor, Christopher J, Chester, Darren L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age Factors
Aged
Biological and medical sciences
Breast Diseases - pathology
Breast Diseases - surgery
Breast reduction
Elderly
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Hypertrophy
Mammaplasty - methods
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Outcomes
Patient Satisfaction
Plastic Surgery
Reduction mammaplasty
Retrospective Studies
Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases
Surveys and Questionnaires
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Summary Background Breast reduction surgery is successful in improving symptoms associated with breast hypertrophy. We sought to substantiate this in the elderly patient and ascertain how they regarded the outcome. Methods The WHO defines elderly as 60 and over. All elderly patients undergoing BBR for breast hypertrophy over a ten-year period at a single institution were identified. Retrospective review of medical records was conducted and patients asked to complete a postal questionnaire. Results 25/29 (86%) patients responded. 88% felt surgery improved appearance and symptoms. A statistically significant improvement in symptoms, appearance and confidence was demonstrated. 54% of patients voiced negative concerns regarding their surgery. One third were unhappy with final appearance. 2/24 regretted surgery. Conclusions Although studies showing positive outcomes for breast reduction in breast hypertrophy are many, none have specifically looked at elderly patients. Most patients seek relief of functional symptoms. Cosmesis seems to be less an issue. That they achieve improvement in symptoms is reassuring, despite longevity of symptoms and possible concomitant musculoskeletal degeneration. However despite satisfaction with relief of symptoms, much dissatisfaction can be felt over less than perfect cosmesis. We feel attention to detail is key, even in the elderly undergoing functional procedures.
ISSN:1748-6815
1878-0539
DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2011.09.032