A prospective, multi-center study of psychosocial outcomes after augmentation with natrelle silicone-filled breast implants.

Psychosocial outcomes are believed to be a critical factor in determining the success of cosmetic surgery, but little research has focused on measuring these factors in breast augmentation patients. In the multicenter study for FDA approval of Natrelle silicone-filled breast implants, 455 augmentation patients completed paper and pencil measures of body image, self-esteem, and quality of life before implantation and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 years postimplantation. Subjects' satisfaction with their implants was uniformly high throughout the follow-up period, from 99% in the month after implantation to 95% at 6 years. Satisfaction with breast size, shape, and feel improved significantly postimplantation and continued through 6 years. Significant improvements in body image were found postoperatively and remained throughout the study. Improvements in health-related quality of life, however, were not observed. Results provide additional information on patient satisfaction and improvement in body image that typically occur after breast augmentation.