Study Reports Reduction Mammoplasty may Benefit Adolescents A recent study analyzed the indications, complications and long-term outcomes of reduction mammoplasty on teenagers Recent reports indicate that the number of reduction mammaplasties or breast reduction surgical procedures being performed on teenage patients is going up. High rates of childhood obesity or increased body awareness are identified as the reasons for this trend. Researchers from Sheffield Children’s Hospital in England recently published the results of their study conducted to evaluate how reduction mammoplasty impacts teenagers. The indications, complications and long-term outcomes of the procedure were analyzed to assess the effect of the procedure on adolescents. Successfully performed, breast reduction surgery results in smaller, firmer, lighter, and more evenly proportioned breasts. This treatment provides women relief from the pain and physical discomfort caused by large breasts. The results are almost permanent if not affected by weight gain, pregnancy, or weight loss. The key points of the Sheffield Children’s Hospital study are as follows •
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The researchers performed a retrospective review of 36 females less than 19 years of age (mean age, 17.4 years) who had undergone unilateral or bilateral reduction mammaplasty Details on patient demographics, mechanical and psychological symptoms and postoperative complications were compiled A qualitative prospective questionnaire study was performed between five and 13 years post surgery Responses were rated using the Likert Scaling system for assessing the surgery benefits The most common pre-surgery mechanical symptoms noted were back and neck pain, difficulty sleeping and intertrigo Pre-surgery psychological complaints included increased self-consciousness, low selfesteem, depression and bullying Physical and psychological improvement following surgery and follow-up were identified An instant resolution of mechanical symptoms were experienced by 67 percent of females and 47 percent reported improvement in psychological symptoms
The researchers concluded that “Reduction mammaplasty is especially beneficial in this group of patients as they suffer increased psychological comorbidities versus their adult counterparts. Patients need to be adequately assessed and counseled for optimal outcome”.
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