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Comparative Study
. 2017 Oct 1;37(9):999-1008.
doi: 10.1093/asj/sjx048.

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Aesthetics and Satisfaction in Immediate Breast Reconstruction After Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy With Implants and Fat Grafting

Ali A Qureshi  1 , Elizabeth B Odom  1 , Rajiv P Parikh  1 , Terence M Myckatyn  1 , Marissa M Tenenbaum  1
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Aesthetics and Satisfaction in Immediate Breast Reconstruction After Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy With Implants and Fat Grafting

Ali A Qureshi et al. Aesthet Surg J. .

Abstract

Background: Direct-to-implant (DTI) and tissue expander/implant (TE/I) reconstructions are the most common implant-based reconstructions after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM). However, there are little data beyond complication rates comparing these options. Fat grafting has emerged as an adjunct in NSM reconstructions to improve aesthetic results; however, its impact on patient perceptions of aesthetic outcomes remain unknown. To improve patient-centered care, aesthetic outcomes must be considered from the patients' perspective.

Objectives: To evaluate patient-reported outcomes of aesthetic satisfaction and quality of life in patients undergoing immediate DTI vs TE/I reconstruction after NSM and to assess the role of fat grafting on these outcomes.

Methods: This is a prospective cohort study comparing NSM patients undergoing DTI or TE/I reconstruction. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the BREAST-Q. Continuous and categorical variables were analyzed using t test and Fisher's exact test, respectively.

Results: Fifty-nine patients underwent 113 reconstructions with either DTI (n = 41) or TE/I (n = 18). Mean follow up was 12.1 months. DTI and TE/I patients had comparable satisfaction with outcome, though TE/I patients had significantly larger final implant sizes. TE/I who underwent fat grafting also had significantly higher satisfaction with outcome and psychosocial wellbeing.

Conclusions: Patient-reported outcomes are comparable between DTI and TE/I reconstructions after NSM. In order for TE/I patients to achieve a similar level of satisfaction, they may require a larger final implant and additional operations compared to DTI patients. Additionally, fat grafting improves overall satisfaction. TE/I patients may have different aesthetic expectations than DTI patients, emphasizing patient-centered discussions are essential to optimizing outcomes after NSM.

Level of evidence: 3.

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