September 21, 2009 | Breast Implants, Cosmetic Surgery
5 minute read
When it comes to breast augmentation or any breast surgery, success isn’t only measured in technical precision or before-and-after photos. Real satisfaction is defined by how patients feel in their everyday lives following their procedure.
A landmark article published in the August 2009 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery offered valuable insight by identifying six patient-centered criteria that determine overall satisfaction with breast surgery. These findings emphasize not only the physical transformation but also the emotional, psychological, and relational impact of undergoing breast enhancement.
If you’re considering breast augmentation in Eugene, Oregon, understanding what makes a surgery “successful” from the patient’s perspective is a great way to ensure you approach your own procedure with the right expectations and preparation.
Here are the six most important factors that predict patient satisfaction after breast surgery—straight from the voices of women who’ve experienced it themselves.
1. Satisfaction with Breast Characteristics
For many patients, the top priority is achieving the breast shape, size, and projection they envision. According to the study, patients who felt thrilled with their new breast contour frequently cited:
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A more proportional or feminine body
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Better fitting clothes and expanded fashion options
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Feeling more “normal” or physically balanced
One breast augmentation patient shared,
“I have really nice, voluptuous, rounded, normal-sized perky breasts and I am so happy with them.”
Patients emphasized that the physical outcome wasn’t only about appearance—it also tied directly into confidence, personal style, and self-perception.
2. Better Physical Well-Being
This criterion is especially important for breast reduction patients, who often suffer from chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain due to excessively large breasts. When that discomfort is alleviated, it can dramatically improve overall physical health and wellness.
Commonly reported improvements included:
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Easier ability to exercise and engage in physical activity
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Reduced musculoskeletal pain
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Better posture and mobility
This shows that for many, breast surgery is about function as much as form.
3. Improved Psychosocial Well-Being
Your mental and emotional state is a huge part of your quality of life. The patients in the study frequently described how breast surgery enhanced their:
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Self-image and self-esteem
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Comfort in social settings
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Overall confidence
Women expressed that their new breast appearance helped them “fit in” with the societal perception of the female body, leading to less self-consciousness and more confidence in everything from dating to attending public events.
4. Enhanced Sexual Well-Being
Sexual wellness is an important—and sometimes overlooked—dimension of plastic surgery outcomes. The researchers found that breast augmentation often enhanced sexual satisfaction in two major ways:
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Physical Confidence: Women felt more attractive and desirable, which naturally boosted sexual confidence.
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Reduced Anxiety: The elimination of negative emotions related to breast shape or asymmetry reduced inhibitions during intimacy.
One key finding was that improvements in breast appearance often reversed feelings of embarrassment or inadequacy, paving the way for greater enjoyment and comfort in romantic relationships.
5. Positive Experience with the Surgeon
A technically excellent result can still be overshadowed by a poor interaction with the surgeon or staff. Patients who reported open, respectful, and transparent communication with their surgeon felt more secure, informed, and satisfied with their entire surgical journey.
Key elements of a good patient-surgeon relationship included:
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Clear and honest pre-operative expectations
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Time spent listening to patient concerns
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Courteous and professional staff interactions
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Proper follow-up and post-surgical care
In contrast, patients who experienced poor bedside manner or dismissive communication reported anxiety, discomfort, and lower satisfaction—even if the surgical outcome was good.
That’s why at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Eugene, Dr. Lee B. Daniel ensures every patient receives compassionate, thorough, and honest guidance from consultation to post-op recovery.
6. Overall Satisfaction: Were Expectations Met?
The final and most powerful criterion: Would you do it all over again?
Patients were asked to reflect on whether their expectations were met and if they would choose breast surgery again. The overwhelming response was “yes.”
“There is not one day that goes by that I am not so pleased that I did it,” said one breast augmentation patient.
This category is the sum total of all the others. If a patient’s expectations were met, complications were minimal, communication was solid, and physical and emotional benefits were realized, then overall satisfaction was extremely high.
Making Sure Your Breast Augmentation Is a Success
Now that you know the six major markers of patient satisfaction, here are some actionable tips to increase your own likelihood of a successful experience:
1. Set Realistic Goals
Talk candidly with your surgeon about your desired outcome. Bring pictures and be honest about what you hope to achieve.
2. Choose an Experienced Surgeon
Find a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Lee B. Daniel who has extensive experience in breast surgery and an outstanding reputation for patient care.
3. Prioritize Clear Communication
Ask questions. Make sure your surgeon takes time to explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives of each technique or implant type.
4. Understand the Recovery Process
Know what to expect in terms of downtime, healing, and results over time. Patience and self-care during recovery will lead to better outcomes.
5. Consider Your Lifestyle
Your body goals should align with your current health, physical activity level, and plans for future pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Consult with Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Eugene, Oregon
Whether you’re looking to enhance your curves, restore breast volume after pregnancy, or reduce physical discomfort from heavy breasts, our team at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery can help you feel more confident and informed.
Dr. Lee B. Daniel’s patient-first philosophy means that you’ll always be heard, never rushed, and guided by one of Oregon’s top aesthetic surgeons.
Book your private consultation by calling (541) 687-8900 or visit us online at aestheticplasticsurg.org.
Let us help you become one of the thousands of women who say, “I’m so glad I did it.”