Women who choose to undergo breast reconstruction following a mastectomy have several reconstructive options. Those options can be broken down into two categories – autologous (using your own tissue) and alloplastic (using an implant). Both types of procedures have been shown to improve patients’ quality of life, but numerous studies indicate that autologous reconstruction provides higher patient reported satisfaction compared to alloplastic reconstruction.
A recently published study analyzed patient reported quality of life scores of alloplastic versus autologous breast reconstruction by evaluating BREAST-Q questionnaire submissions acquired by numerous independent studies. Upon evaluation, the study authors discovered that autologous breast reconstruction scored significantly higher among 5 categories (satisfaction with breast, satisfaction with results, sexual well-being, psychosocial well-being and physical well-being) compared with alloplastic reconstruction.
The study concluded that autologous breast reconstruction had superior outcomes compared with alloplastic breast reconstruction as measured by the BREAST-Q.
The results of this study are not to say that implant-based reconstruction options are an inferior choice for patients, but to show the importance of patients being informed of ALL their reconstructive options, engaging in shared-decision making conversations with their surgeon, and reaching a surgical treatment plan that best meets patient outcome goals.
Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Courtney Floyd
The recent study concluded that autologous breast reconstruction had superior outcomes compared with alloplastic breast reconstruction as measured by the BREAST-Q.
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