Female Sexual Function and Sexual Well-being Before and After Breast Reduction: A Pilot Cross-sectional Study and Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: Breast reduction is one of the most frequently performed procedures in plastic surgery practice. Patients often undergo this procedure for not only aesthetic but also functional reasons because breast hypertrophy may hinder daily activities because of chronic spinal pain. Breast reduction has a documented impact on quality of life. However, there are only a few reports on the influence of breast reduction on sexuality.

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of breast reduction on female sexual dysfunction and on sexual well-being.

Methods: Ours was a pilot cross-sectional 2-cohort study, including 75 females who had undergone breast reduction (post-BRG) and a preoperative group of 27 females with breast hypertrophy awaiting surgery (pre-BRG). Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Sexual Quality of Life-Female, and BREAST-Q Reduction/Mastopexy module were assessed within 12 to 36 months postoperatively via e-mail. A review of literature was performed.

Results: The mean total Sexual Quality of Life-Female score was significantly higher in the post-BRG than in the pre-BRG (76.7 ± 11.6 vs 64.4 ± 13.7; P < 0.01). The mean total FSFI score in the pre-BRG was 21 ± 11.4. It was below the FSFI cutoff score for female sexual dysfunction (≤26). In the post-BRG, the total FSFI score was significantly higher (27.4 ± 9.1; P < 0.01). The outcome of the sexual well-being domain of BREAST-Q was significantly higher in the post-BRG (72 ± 14 vs 39.3 ± 14.5; P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Breast reduction procedure has a positive impact on female sexual function, sexual quality of life, and sexual well-being.