A systematic review of the psychological outcome of patient who has undergone the cosmetic breast augmentation

Abstract

Background: Cosmetic breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries at present. Although there were some studies evaluated the psychological aspects of this kind of surgery, the psychological characteristics of these patients are not clear. And the psychological outcome of this type of surgery is a critical issue. Objective: This systematic review is to explore whether there is a positive correlation between cosmetic breast augmentation and self-esteem and lower depression rate and whether there is a positive change in quality of life on the basis of positive change in psychological outcome after receiving cosmetic breast augmentation. Methods: Search of relevant literature was performed in PubMed, China Journal Net, Wan Fang Database to find out every journal article evaluating the psychological outcome of cosmetic breast augmentation surgery up to April 2014. Quality assessment criteria were based on Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Result: Seven studies were included in this review. 5 were prospective studies, 1 was cross-sectional studies and 1 was cohort study. Participants were recruited from cosmetic surgical centers, clinics or hospitals. All the participants were voluntary to participate in interview-based or self-reported questionnaires. Questionnaires were the main measurement tools for the dependent variable. The self-reported data was objective and inaccuracies. Because of the nature of observational study, confounding existed. The positive outcomes are found in 6 studies. Two studies have proved breast augmentation has a direct positive impact on self-esteem and sexuality, which has statistical significant difference. The depression rate before and after the cosmetic breast augmentation was lack of evidence to make analysis. Self-confidence and quality of life are reported improved after this surgery. Conclusion: There is probable beneficial psychological outcome of cosmetic breast augmentation and improvement in quality of life, especially self-esteem and sexuality. Another psychological outcome, self-confidence, was also found positive change postoperatively. The present evidence in included studies is not enough to support a lower depression rate after surgery.