Impact of breast augmentation on female sexuality.

INTRODUCTION: The breasts are symbols of femininity, sexuality, and maternity. Breast augmentation is among the most sought-after procedures for women and has a positive impact on quality of life. Sexuality is one of the items that contribute to increased quality of life. Surgical outcomes can be evaluated from the patients' perspective using developed and validated questionnaires. For the assessment of sexuality, the most commonly used instruments are the Female Sexual Quotient and the Female Sexual Function Index, which estimate several domains of sexuality and can be used to evaluate the impact of surgery on it. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of breast augmentation on female sexuality. METHODS: We selected 87 patients from the Plastic Surgery Outpatient Clinic of Hospital São Paulo (Federal University of São Paulo) who wished to undergo breast augmentation. The patients were classified into two groups: the Female Sexual Quotient questionnaire was applied to one group, and the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire was applied to the other group to evaluate sexuality preoperatively as well as at 2 and 4 months postoperatively. RESULTS: In both groups, there was a significant increase in the total score of the Female Sexual Quotient and Female Sexual Function Index questionnaires, and an individual increase in each domain assessed, with a significant increase in the domains of orgasm and sexual satisfaction, as well as foreplay and arousal, indicating an improvement in the patients' sexuality postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Breast augmentation has a positive impact on female sexuality; furthermore, the Female Sexual Quotient and Female Sexual Function Index are sensitive in detecting this impact.

Impact of breast augmentation on female sexuality

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: The breasts are symbols of femininity, sexuality, and maternity. Breast augmentation is among the most sought-after procedures for women and has a positive impact on quality of life. Sexuality is one of the items that contribute to increased quality of life. Surgical outcomes can be evaluated from the patients' perspective using developed and validated questionnaires. For the assessment of sexuality, the most commonly used instruments are the Female Sexual Quotient and the Female Sexual Function Index, which estimate several domains of sexuality and can be used to evaluate the impact of surgery on it. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of breast augmentation on female sexuality. METHODS: We selected 87 patients from the Plastic Surgery Outpatient Clinic of Hospital São Paulo (Federal University of São Paulo) who wished to undergo breast augmentation. The patients were classified into two groups: the Female Sexual Quotient questionnaire was applied to one group, and the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire was applied to the other group to evaluate sexuality preoperatively as well as at 2 and 4 months postoperatively. RESULTS: In both groups, there was a significant increase in the total score of the Female Sexual Quotient and Female Sexual Function Index questionnaires, and an individual increase in each domain assessed, with a significant increase in the domains of orgasm and sexual satisfaction, as well as foreplay and arousal, indicating an improvement in the patients' sexuality postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Breast augmentation has a positive impact on female sexuality; furthermore, the Female Sexual Quotient and Female Sexual Function Index are sensitive in detecting this impact.

Retropectoral Fat Graft Survival in Mammoplasty: Evaluation by Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Fat grafting is used in combination with mammoplasty to improve filling of the upper pole of the breasts. Its effectiveness remains in question due to unpredictable results. Difficulty in isolating the grafted fat and differentiating it from host tissues may hinder assessment of graft integration. The plane between the pectoral muscles is free of fat and has already been described with respect to placement of breast implants and fat grafting in breast surgeries. This study sought to evaluate via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the integration and retention of retropectoral fat grafts in mammoplasty. METHODS: Thirty patients with breast flaccidity who desired to undergo mammoplasty were selected. Fat collected from the abdomen was separated by sedimentation and transferred to the retropectoral region after undermining of the breast and resection of excess tissue. The patients underwent MRI preoperatively and at three and six months after surgery. Fat volumes were calculated by multiplying the values for the major vertical, horizontal, and anteroposterior axes by the constant 0.523. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients completed the study. The mean volume grafted was 116.4 ± 22.5 ml per breast. Six months after surgery, the mean fat graft volume in the retropectoral plane was 48.1 ± 25.71 ml, and the integration rate was 40.82% (range, 32.2-49.4%). The rate of complications related to fat grafting was 8%. CONCLUSIONS: In mammoplasty, retropectoral fat grafting showed good integration rates and is a safe and predictable approach that can contribute to improving the outcomes of aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgeries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV, COHORT ANALYTIC STUDY: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Patient-Reported Outcomes after Subpectoral Breast Augmentation with Microtextured or Macrotextured Implants Using the BREAST-Q.

Background Breast augmentation with implants is the most commonly performed cosmetic plastic surgery in Brazil and worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction and quality of life following subpectoral breast augmentation with either microtextured or macrotextured implants, using the BREAST-Q. Methods A prospective study was conducted with 40 women with hypomastia undergoing subpectoral breast augmentation. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups to receive either microtextured or macrotextured breast implants. All participants were assessed preoperatively (baseline) and after 2 and 4 months of surgery for quality of life and patient satisfaction with the surgical results, using the BREAST-Q augmentation module, a patient-reported outcome measure. Results The patients had a mean age of 28.9 ± 6.45 years. The microtextured ( n = 20) and macrotextured ( n = 20) groups were homogeneous for sex, age, education level, marital status, and number of children ( p > 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in satisfaction with breasts ( p < 0.001), psychosocial well-being ( p < 0.001), and sexual well-being ( p < 0.001) at the 2- and 4-month follow-up visits compared with baseline. The observed improvements were associated with high effect size values of 5.09, 3.44, and 3.90, respectively. In contrast, significant decreases from baseline in physical well-being scores ( p = 0.001) were found 2 and 4 weeks after surgery in both groups. Conclusion Subpectoral breast augmentation with either microtextured or macrotextured breast implants improved satisfaction with breasts and quality of life in patients with hypomastia.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Brazilian version of BREAST-Q©: breast reconstruction expectations module.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to translate the BREAST-Q© - Breast Reconstruction Expectations Module (preoperative) 2.0 into Portuguese and adapt it to the Brazilian cultural context. METHODS: Authorization for translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the questionnaire was obtained from the holders of the instrument's distribution rights. The questionnaire was translated and retro-translated. For cultural adaptation, the instrument was applied to 40 patients who had breast reconstruction surgery scheduled. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess the internal consistency. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 53.5 years, and the majority (72.5%) was undergoing reconstruction with implants. Good and excellent internal consistencies were observed for the Coping and Appearance expectations scales (Cronbach's alpha values of 0.878 and 0.909, respectively). For the Pain scale, the internal consistency was moderate (0.738), and it was acceptable (0.587) for the Medical team. CONCLUSION: The BREAST-Q© - Breast Reconstruction Expectations Module (preoperative) 2.0 was successfully translated and adapted to the Brazilian context.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Reduction Mammaplasty: A National Survey.

BACKGROUND: Although there is limited evidence for regulating the use of prophylactic antibiotics in reduction mammaplasty, many plastic surgeons prescribe them, even in the postoperative period. This study aimed to conduct a national survey to investigate the antibiotic prophylaxis protocols followed by Brazilian plastic surgeons in reduction mammaplasty. METHODS: An anonymous survey comprising 19 questions was sent to all 4864 active members of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP). The surgeons electronically received the invitation to participate in the survey and the link to fill out the electronic form. RESULTS: In total, 859 surgeons (17.7%) responded. Most respondents (77.8%) were men and aged 35-55 years (61.5%); 58.6% of them had 10-29 years of specialty training. Only a minor proportion of the respondents (0.5%) reported not prescribing antibiotics at any time (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0-0.9), 9.9% (95% CI: 7.9-11.9) prescribed them only preoperatively, and 14.6% (95% CI: 12.2-16.9) prescribed continued antibiotic use for 24 h. The majority of the respondents (75.1%; 95% CI: 72.1-77.9) prescribed antibiotics for additional days after discharge. There were significant associations between antibiotic prescription and the surgeons' age group (p = 0.015), time since graduation (p < 0.001), experience in the specialty practice (p = 0.003), SBCP membership (p < 0.001), and surgical site infection rates (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Most responding plastic surgeons affirmed that they prescribed prophylactic antibiotics for more than 24 h in reduction mammaplasty cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Brazilian version of BREAST-Q©: breast reconstruction expectations module

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to translate the BREAST-Q© — Breast Reconstruction Expectations Module (preoperative) 2.0 into Portuguese and adapt it to the Brazilian cultural context. METHODS: Authorization for translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the questionnaire was obtained from the holders of the instrument's distribution rights. The questionnaire was translated and retro-translated. For cultural adaptation, the instrument was applied to 40 patients who had breast reconstruction surgery scheduled. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess the internal consistency. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 53.5 years, and the majority (72.5%) was undergoing reconstruction with implants. Good and excellent internal consistencies were observed for the Coping and Appearance expectations scales (Cronbach's alpha values of 0.878 and 0.909, respectively). For the Pain scale, the internal consistency was moderate (0.738), and it was acceptable (0.587) for the Medical team. CONCLUSION: The BREAST-Q© — Breast Reconstruction Expectations Module (preoperative) 2.0 was successfully translated and adapted to the Brazilian context.

JPEG and raw image files compared to direct measurement of the breast region.

PURPOSE: To compare JPEG and RAW image file extensions to direct measurement of the breast region. METHODS: Points were marked on the breasts and arms of 40 female volunteers. The joining of these points in each hemibody formed seven linear segments, one angular segment and one median segment common to both hemibodies. Volunteers were photographed in a standardized fashion and evaluated by three raters using the software Adobe Photoshop CS6® and three image file extensions (RAW, high resolution JPEG and low resolution JPEG); values were compared to direct anthropometry. RESULTS: All variables had interclass correlation coefficient higher than 0.8 (ICC>0.8). On average, all variables in all methods showed differences (p<0.05) when compared to direct measurement. A formula was created for each segment and each image file extension in comparison with the direct measurement. CONCLUSION: Measurements were similar among the correlated JPEG and RAW image file extensions but differed from the actual breast measurement obtained with a caliper.

Medidas da região mamária: antropometria direta ou indireta? / Breast region measurements: direct or indirect anthropometry?

Introdução: As medidas precisas dos seios femininos são difíceis de obter devido à topografia, volume e projeções presentes. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo comparar medidas da região mamária obtidas por antropometria direta (fita métrica) e indireta (fotogrametria computadorizada). Métodos: Este é um estudo transversal. Foram avaliadas 40 mulheres, com idades entre 18 e 60 anos, índice de massa corporal <29,2 kg / m², que tinham 12 marcas anatômicas na região das mamas e braços. A união desses pontos formou 7 segmentos lineares e 1 ângulo para cada hemicorpo, e 1 segmento comum a ambos os hemicorpos. As fotografias obtidas de forma padronizada foram mensuradas por fotogrametria computadorizada com o software Image Tool®. Os mesmos segmentos também foram medidos por antropometria direta, com fita métrica. O teste de Shapiro-Wilk foi usado para avaliar se cada variável tinha uma distribuição normal. O teste de correlação de Pearson foi aplicado para avaliar a correlação entre os diferentes métodos: antropometria direta (medição com fita) e indireta (fotogrametria por Image Tool®). O nível de significância adotado para os testes estatísticos foi de 5% (p <0,05). Resultados: Diferenças significativas foram encontradas nas comparações entre a fita métrica e a fotogrametria computadorizada para todos os segmentos analisados (p> 0,05). Conclusão: Existe correlação entre as medidas dos seios da face obtidas pela antropometria direta (medição com fita métrica) e indireta (fotogrametria pelo software Image Tool®), principalmente nas medidas da papila.

Introduction: Accurate female breast measurements are difficult due to the topography, volume, and projections present there. Therefore, this study aimed to compare breast region measurements obtained by direct (tape measurement) and indirect (computer-based photogrammetry) anthropometry. Methods: This is a transversal study. Forty women were evaluated, aged 18-60 years, body mass index of <29.2kg/m² that had 12 anatomical marks on the breast region and arms. These points' union formed 7 linear segments and 1 angle for each hemibody, and 1 segment common to both hemibodies. The photographs obtained in a standardized way were measured using computer-based photogrammetry with Image ToolTM software. The same segments were also measured by direct anthropometry, using a tape measure. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess whether each variable was normally distributed. The Pearson correlation test was applied to evaluate the correlation between different methods: the direct (tape measurement) and indirect (photogrammetry by Image ToolTM) anthropometry. The significance level adopted for statistical tests was 5% (p<0,05). Results: Significant differences were found in the comparisons between the tape measurement and computer-based photogrammetry for all segments analyzed (p>0.05). Conclusion: There is a correlation between the breast measurements obtained by direct (tape measurement) and indirect (photogrammetry by Image ToolTM software) anthropometry, especially the papilla measures.

Postoperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Reduction Mammaplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Reduction mammaplasty is a well-established procedure. Studies have shown benefits of using antibiotics in this procedure. Nevertheless, there is no solid evidence to support postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. The authors evaluated the influence of postoperative antibiotic delivery on infection rates after reduction mammaplasty. METHODS: The authors conducted a randomized trial of noninferiority, with two parallel groups, with triple blinding. The participants were 124 women with breast hypertrophy, with reduction mammaplasty already scheduled, selected consecutively. All patients underwent reduction mammaplasty, performed by the same surgical team, using the superomedial pedicle technique for ascending the nipple-areola complex. All patients received cephalothin (1 g) intravenously at the anesthetic induction and every 6 hours for 24 hours. At hospital discharge, they were assigned randomly to either the placebo (n = 62) or antibiotic group (n = 62) and were instructed to take identical capsules containing 500 mg of cephalexin or placebo, respectively, every 6 hours, for 7 days. Patients were assessed weekly, for 4 weeks, regarding the occurrence of surgical-site infection, by a surgeon who was unaware of the allocation. The criteria and definitions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were adopted. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between groups regarding age, body mass index, or resected breast tissue weight. The overall surgical-site infection rate was 0.81 percent. Only one patient, allocated to the antibiotic, presented infection, classified as superficial incisional (p = 1.00). In the placebo group, surgery time was higher (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The maintenance of antibiotics in the postoperative period of reduction mammaplasty did not influence the rates of surgical-site infection. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, I.

JPEG and raw image files compared to direct measurement of the breast region

Abstract Purpose: To compare JPEG and RAW image file extensions to direct measurement of the breast region. Methods: Points were marked on the breasts and arms of 40 female volunteers. The joining of these points in each hemibody formed seven linear segments, one angular segment and one median segment common to both hemibodies. Volunteers were photographed in a standardized fashion and evaluated by three raters using the software Adobe Photoshop CS6® and three image file extensions (RAW, high resolution JPEG and low resolution JPEG); values were compared to direct anthropometry. Results: All variables had interclass correlation coefficient higher than 0.8 (ICC>0.8). On average, all variables in all methods showed differences (p<0.05) when compared to direct measurement. A formula was created for each segment and each image file extension in comparison with the direct measurement. Conclusion: Measurements were similar among the correlated JPEG and RAW image file extensions but differed from the actual breast measurement obtained with a caliper.

Sexuality, depression and body image after breast reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of breast reconstruction after mastectomy on sexual function, body image, and depression. METHODS: This cross-sectional, comparative, controlled study was conducted with 90 women between 18 and 65 years of age who had undergone either mastectomy alone (mastectomy group, n=30) or mastectomy combined with breast reconstruction (mastectomy-reconstruction group, n=30) at least one year prior to the study or who had no breast cancer (control group, n=30). Patients were assessed for sexual function, depression, and body image using the validated Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the Female Sexual Function Index, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination, respectively. RESULTS: The three groups were homogeneous for age, marital status, body mass index, and education level. The women in the mastectomy group reported significantly worse sexual function, greater depressive symptoms, and lower body image than those in the mastectomy-reconstruction and control groups. In the mastectomy group, the frequency of sexual dysfunction was significantly greater among patients without a marital partner and those with a higher level of education than among patients in the other two groups with the same characteristics. CONCLUSION: Patients who had undergone breast reconstruction after mastectomy reported better sexual function and body image and fewer depressive symptoms than patients who had undergone mastectomy alone. Sexual dysfunction was associated with the absence of a marital partner and a higher level of education and was more frequent in the mastectomy group.

Invited Response on: Body Dysmorphic Disorder: There is an "Ideal" Strategy?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) has been considered the most relevant neuropsychiatric condition to cosmetic treatments. Patients' ideal expectations often exceed what is expected to be achieved in reality by plastic surgery, signaling the presence of BDD. It is fundamental to detect BDD symptoms during screening for cosmetic surgery. A secondary concern with physical appearance may be one of the most important parameters to be detected during patient assessment, as it may interfere with overall patient satisfaction following treatment. A good doctor-patient relationship is essential for detecting this psychopathology. Mild-to-moderate BDD is not an exclusion criterion for cosmetic surgery, but specific treatment planning and a multidisciplinary approach are required. Recent studies have presented preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of cosmetic procedures in reducing BDD symptoms and providing patient satisfaction with treatment results. The use of validated instruments at pre- and postoperative assessments to systematically evaluate the patient's level of distress with the physical appearance and patient satisfaction with treatment results will provide important information for the development of more sensitive validated tools for detection of severe levels of BDD symptoms to help plastic surgeons in the selection of patients in a more effective and practical manner.Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Quality of Randomized Controlled Trials Published By Plastic Surgeons: Long-Term Follow-Up.

INTRODUCTION: In two previous studies, the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with the participation of at least one plastic surgeon was evaluated in two periods: 1966-2003 and 2004-2008. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evolution of the quality of RCT publications by plastic surgeons in the subsequent 5-year period, from 2009 to 2013. METHODS: RCTs published from 2009 to 2013 in English with the participation of at least one plastic surgeon were identified by electronic search and classified for concealment of allocation by two independent evaluators. The studies with adequate allocation concealment had their quality evaluated by two evaluators using the Delphi List and the Jadad Quality Scale. RESULTS: Of the 6997 identified studies, 261 were classified as to concealment of allocation. Of these, 43 (16.47%) had adequate allocation concealment. According to the evaluation in the Delphi List, there was an improvement, in relation to 1966-2003, in the items "most important characteristics of the prognosis" (p < 0.001), "use of independent evaluator" (p = 0.0029), and "measures of variability and point estimate for the primary variable" (p = 0.0057); there was no difference in relation to 2004-2008. Regarding the Jadad Quality Scale, there was an increase in scores in relation to 1966-2003 (p < 0.0004) but not in relation to the 2004-2008 period. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the quality of publications of RCTs by plastic surgeons in the period 2009-2013 compared to the previous 5 years (2004-2008), but both periods presented higher quality than the period 1966-2003. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Qualidade dos ensaios clínicos aleatórios publicados por cirurgiões plásticos: seguimento de longo prazo / Quality of randomized clinical trials published by plastic surgeons: a long-term follow-up study

Introdução: Em dois estudos prévios, avaliou-se a qualidade dos ensaios clínicos aleatórios (ECAs) com a participação de pelo menos um cirurgião plástico, em dois períodos: 1966 a 2003 e 2004 a 2008. O objetivo é avaliar a evolução da qualidade das publicações de ECAs por cirurgiões plásticos no período subsequente de cinco anos, de 2009 a 2013. Métodos: ECAs publicados de 2009 a 2013, em língua inglesa, com a participação de pelo menos um cirurgião plástico, foram identificados por busca eletrônica e classificados quanto ao sigilo de alocação, por dois avaliadores independentes. Os estudos com sigilo de alocação adequado tiveram a qualidade avaliada por dois avaliadores, utilizando-se a Lista de Delphi e a Escala de Qualidade de Jadad. Resultados: Dos 6.997 estudos identificados, 261 foram classificados quanto ao sigilo de alocação. Destes, 43 (16,47%) tinham sigilo de alocação adequado. Segundo a avaliação pela Lista de Delphi, houve melhora, em relação a 1966-2003, nos itens "características mais importantes do prognóstico" (p < 0,001), "uso de avaliador independente" (p = 0,0029) e "medidas de variabilidade e estimativa de pontos para a variável primária" (p = 0,0057); não houve diferença em relação a 2004-2008. Quanto à Escala de Qualidade de Jadad, houve um aumento dos escores em relação a 1996-2003 (p < 0,0004), mas também sem diferença significante em relação ao período 2004-2008. Conclusão: Não houve diferença na qualidade das publicações de ECAs por cirurgiões plásticos no período de 2009 a 2013, em relação aos cinco anos anteriores (2004 a 2008). Entretanto, ambos os períodos apresentaram maior qualidade quando comparados ao período de 1966 a 2003.

Introduction: In two previous studies, the quality of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with the participation of at least one plastic surgeon was assessed in two periods: from 1966 to 2003 and from 2004 to 2008. The objective is to evaluate the evolution of the quality of RCTs published by plastic surgeons in the subsequent five-year period, from 2009 to 2013. Methods: RCTs published from 2009 to 2013, in English, with the participation of at least one plastic surgeon, were identified by an electronic search and classified according to allocation concealment by two independent evaluators. The quality of the studies with adequate allocation concealment was evaluated by two evaluators using the Delphi List and the Jadad Scale. Results: Of the 6,997 identified studies, 261 were classified according to allocation concealment. Of these, 43 (16.47%) had adequate allocation concealment. According to an assessment conducted using the Delphi List, there was an improvement in the items "most important characteristics of the prognosis" (p < 0.001), "use of an independent evaluator" (p = 0.0029), and "measures of variability and estimation of points for the primary variable" (p = 0.0057) compared to the 1966-2003 assessment ; there was no difference in the assessment of the same items from 2004-2008. Regarding the Jadad Scale, there was an increase in the scores from 2009 to 2013 compared to the 1996-2003 period (p < 0.0004); however, there was no significant difference in the 2004-2008 period. Conclusion: There was no difference in the quality of the RCTs published by plastic surgeons in the 2009-2013 period compared to the previous five-year period (2004 to 2008). However, both periods indicated higher quality compared to the 1966-2003 period.

High Prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Moderate to Severe Appearance-Related Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Among Rhinoplasty Candidates.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty is one of the most sought-after procedures in plastic surgery by individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The identification of BDD symptoms is a challenge for plastic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to use a specific instrument for detection of BDD symptoms as a screening tool in rhinoplasty candidates and estimate the prevalence and severity of BDD symptoms in this population. METHODS: Eighty patients of both sexes seeking rhinoplasty were consecutively recruited at a plastic surgery outpatient clinic of a university hospital from February 2014 to March 2015. In a clinical interview, 50 of them showed an excessive preoccupation with physical appearance associated with clinically significant subjective distress and were, therefore, selected to participate in the study. All participants were assessed using the Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for BDD (BDD-YBOCS) and the Body Dysmorphic Symptoms Scale (BDSS), which can be applied by plastic surgeons, who are laypersons in psychology/psychiatry. RESULTS: Twenty-four (48%, 24/50) candidates had BDD symptoms, and 27 (54%, 27/50) showed moderate to severe appearance-related obsessive-compulsive symptoms. A strong correlation was found between the BDSS and BDD-YBOCS scores (r = 0.841, P < 0.001), and a strong agreement was observed between the BDSS cutoff point and body dysmorphic disorder symptom status (kappa = 0.822). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of BDD and moderate to severe appearance-related obsessive-compulsive symptoms was found among aesthetic rhinoplasty candidates. The BDSS may be used as a screening tool for BDD symptoms in plastic surgery patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Evaluation of Retropectoral Fat Grafting in Breast Reduction by Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: One of the challenges in breast reduction is to maintain breast projection with 45% of its volume in the upper pole and 55% in the lower pole. Although widely used in breast surgeries, the behavior of fat grafts is still not completely understood. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the survival of fat transferred to the retropectoral plane in patients undergoing breast reduction, in the search for an oncologically safe procedure with high predictability and reproducibility. METHODS: This pilot study was conducted with 7 patients who underwent breast reduction combined with fat grafting in the submuscular plane. Aspirated fat was processed by sedimentation. MRI of the breasts was performed preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Fat survival was calculated as the difference between the volumes of fat measured preoperatively and postoperatively by MRI divided by the volume of grafted fat. RESULTS: Fourteen breasts were operated on and received on average 119.6 mL of autologous fat in the submuscular plane. Fat survival rate was 43.9% at 1 month after surgery, decreasing to 23.4% in the late postoperative period. The mean anteroposterior projection of the grafted tissue was 1.51 cm at 1 month postoperatively, decreasing to 1.07 cm in the late postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Retropectoral fat grafting may contribute to maintaining the fullness of the upper pole of the breasts. This is an innovative experimental model for future studies on fat harvesting, preparation, and grafting techniques, allowing the evaluation of fat graft survival.

Sexuality, depression and body image after breast reconstruction

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of breast reconstruction after mastectomy on sexual function, body image, and depression. METHODS: This cross-sectional, comparative, controlled study was conducted with 90 women between 18 and 65 years of age who had undergone either mastectomy alone (mastectomy group, n=30) or mastectomy combined with breast reconstruction (mastectomy-reconstruction group, n=30) at least one year prior to the study or who had no breast cancer (control group, n=30). Patients were assessed for sexual function, depression, and body image using the validated Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the Female Sexual Function Index, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination, respectively. RESULTS: The three groups were homogeneous for age, marital status, body mass index, and education level. The women in the mastectomy group reported significantly worse sexual function, greater depressive symptoms, and lower body image than those in the mastectomy-reconstruction and control groups. In the mastectomy group, the frequency of sexual dysfunction was significantly greater among patients without a marital partner and those with a higher level of education than among patients in the other two groups with the same characteristics. CONCLUSION: Patients who had undergone breast reconstruction after mastectomy reported better sexual function and body image and fewer depressive symptoms than patients who had undergone mastectomy alone. Sexual dysfunction was associated with the absence of a marital partner and a higher level of education and was more frequent in the mastectomy group.

Patient satisfaction with breast reconstructionusing musculocutaneous flap from latissimus dorsiversus from rectus abdominis: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer worldwide and the most common type among women. The treatment for this condition has evolved over recent decades with therapeutic and technological advances. Breast reconstruction techniques using musculocutaneous flaps from the latissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis have aroused interest regarding patients' quality of life. Our goal here was to compare patients' satisfaction scores after they underwent breast reconstruction using musculocutaneous flaps from either the latissimus dorsi or the rectus abdominis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Primary, clinical, analytical, observational and cross-sectional study conducted in a federal university and a public hospital. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data were collected. The Mini-Mental State Examination was then applied, with testing for specificity and sensitivity. Lastly, a breast evaluation questionnaire was applied to evaluate breast satisfaction among 90 women, who were divided into three groups: mastectomy (control; n = 30); breast reconstruction using flap from the latissimus dorsi (n = 30); and reconstruction using flap from the rectus abdominis (n = 30). RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous regarding the main demographic data and the questionnaire responses (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the reconstruction groups showed significant improvement in satisfaction (P < 0.0002) after one year. CONCLUSION: Within our sample, women who underwent breast reconstruction with flaps from either the latissimus dorsi or the rectus abdominis had similar satisfaction scores.