Body Image and Psychological Sequelae of Silicone Breast Explantation: Preliminary Findings
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1997
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534-199710000-00036
Abstract
Twenty-two breast explantation (implant removal) and 20 cholecystectomy patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively and compared with 20 nonsurgical control subjects on several body-image measures, depression, self-esteem, and self-reported health status. Explantation patients had higher breast anxiety and upper torso dissatisfaction than either control group and levels were unaffected by implant removal. The discrepancy between self-rated ideal and current breast size increased substantially after implant removal for the explantation group, but did not change for controls. Overall appearance satisfaction level and positive appearance-related cognitions decreased as a function of surgery for explantation patients, but remained unchanged in cholecystectomy and nonsurgical controls. Depression levels were elevated in explantation patients and did not change as a function of surgery; self-reported health status level improved for the explantation group, but levels still remained below those of both control groups after explantation. Therapeutic indications for the elevated depression levels and unique body-image issues that patients undergoing explantation experience are discussed.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, v. 100, issue 5, p. 1299-1306
Scholar Commons Citation
Walden, Katherine J.; Thompson, Joel Kevin; and Wells, Karen E., "Body Image and Psychological Sequelae of Silicone Breast Explantation: Preliminary Findings" (1997). Psychology Faculty Publications. 2146.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/psy_facpub/2146
