A comparison of patient satisfaction (using the BREAST-Q questionnaire) with bilateral breast reconstruction following risk-reducing or therapeutic mastectomy

This study highlights the need for clinicians to take into account the indication for surgery as a major psychological factor in patients' perception of self and experience of surgery. It demonstrates that bilateral immediate reconstruction patients report similar physical symptoms irrespective of indication for mastectomy, but the decision-making process in terms of risk-balancing and diagnosis influences satisfaction with self and surgery. It underlines the importance of preoperative management of expectations for patients undergoing risk-reducing procedures.