Effects of bilateral breast reduction on anxiety and depression: results of a prospective randomised trial.

We assessed the effects of bilateral breast reduction on anxiety and depression in women with mammary hypertrophy (macromastia). Seventy-three consecutive women referred for consideration for breast reduction were recruited. They were randomised to have either early operation (within six weeks of initial assessment) or delayed operation (within six months of recruitment). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score was given before randomisation and four months later. All 73 patients completed the study. The mean (SD) age was 39 (12) years. The groups were matched for age, smoking, social class, and educational achievement. There were highly significant improvements (p<0.001) in symptoms of anxiety and depression. Reduction mammaplasty significantly improved symptoms of clinical depression in women with macromastia.

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.