Breast Augmentation in Thin Women: Patient Satisfaction With Saline-Filled Implants

Abstract

Background

This retrospective review was designed to determine whether very thin patients who underwent saline breast augmentation were satisfied with the procedure, and whether they had a higher than average rate of undesirable sequelae.

Methods

A questionnaire was mailed to all patients meeting the arbitrarily established weight of 90% of ideal body weight, with the result that 68% of these questionnaires were returned. All the surgeries were performed by the author, using the same technique and implant type.

Results

Of the 13 patients who responded, 7 could feel the outline of the implant (54%), but only 2 of these patients stated that this was a concern for them. For 5 (19%) of 26 augmented breasts, the patients stated that they had diminished sensation postoperatively, but 5 of 26 breasts (19%) also were rated as having increased sensation postoperatively. The remaining 16 breasts (62%) were rated as having similar sensation. All 13 patients (100%) stated they would recommend the procedure to a friend or family member.

Conclusions

Although thin patients have a higher rate of revision surgery in the author’s practice, as well as a higher rate of implant palpability, they are routinely satisfied with breast augmentation and would recommend the procedure to a friend or family member.