Plastic Surgery Articles

Study Finds Breast Augmentation Surgery Boosts Mood

October 25, 2006 -

While undergoing cosmetic surgery doesn’t magically enhance a person’s life, it could improve their psychological well-being, as suggested by new research presented at the 2006 American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) conference.

One study, which evaluated the results of women who underwent breast augmentation to correct uneven breasts, found that the patients experienced significantly improved self-esteem and quality of life six months after the procedure.

“The breast asymmetry often appears during the breast development in teenage years,” says the study author Dr. Elvio Bueno Garci’a, MD, Ph.D., who claims that by comparing themselves to other proportioned women, teenagers and young women develop low self esteem, depression, and suffer interruptions in their social lives.

In his study, Garci’a evaluated 35 women with significantly asymmetrical breasts who underwent breast augmentation, breast lift, reduction, or a combination of the procedures to create more balance.

Through patient interviews before and after surgeries, Garci’a discovered that the women experienced quality of life improvements on many different levels including social and physical function, general health status, degree of pain, and more.

Many doctors agree with Garci’a’s and other plastic surgeons research on this subject and have seen changes in their patients first hand.

Balancing asymmetrical breasts can make life a lot easier for teenagers and young women who suffer unevenness, says Walter Erhardt, M.D., plastic surgeon and chairman of the ASPS public education committee. “These young ladies, as they are developing, are reluctant to talk about it or mention it and think there is something wrong with them. It becomes a really emotional issue.

Another plastic surgeon, who conducted a similar study that looked at antidepressant use in patients who’ve had cosmetic surgery, found that such procedures did provide patients a huge self esteem boost. “The effect of cosmetic surgery could be strong enough to help people get off antidepressant medications,” says study author Bruce Freedman, MD.

Considering cosmetic surgery? Please contact us today to set up a consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Written by: