Tessmann, Vanessa and Kempa, Sally and Stern, Johanna and Eigenberger, Andreas and Prantl, Lukas and Heine, Norbert (2024) Quality of life in breast reconstruction: a comparison of lightweight and conventional breast implants. ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS, 310 (4). pp. 2153-2160. ISSN 0932-0067, 1432-0711
Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)Abstract
BackgroundDue to the declining mortality rates of breast carcinoma and the rising incidence of risk-reducing mastectomies, enhancing the quality of life after breast reconstructions has become an increasingly important goal. The advantages of lightweight breast implants (B-Lite (R)) may significantly contribute to achieving this objective. This study aims to investigate whether lightweight implants are suitable for patients undergoing breast reconstruction and could improve the quality of life in comparison to conventional implants.MethodsIn this study, we retrospectively analyzed 48 patients (38 implants in each group) who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction with either B-Lite (R) or conventional breast implants between 2019 and 2022 at the University Center for Plastic Surgery in Regensburg. As part of the postoperative follow-up, a clinical examination and a survey using the Breast-Q (R) questionnaire were conducted to evaluate the postoperative quality of life.ResultsThe implants used were similar in weight and shape. On average, the B-Lite (R) implants had a higher implant volume and patients in this group had a slightly higher BMI. Patients who received B-Lite (R) implants showed a significantly better result regarding the sensation of sensitivity in the surgical area and the scar formation also appeared to be more favorable. However, patients with B-Lite (R) implants perceived their implants as more uncomfortable than those with conventional breast implants. In other terms concerning quality of life, both groups appeared similar.ConclusionIn summary, there are confounding factors that could influence the outcome of some aspects in this study, which could not be avoided due to the retrospective study design and the temporary suspension of B-Lite implants. Nevertheless, as the first of its kind, this study demonstrated that B-Lite implants could also be suitable for usage in breast reconstructions, thus providing an important foundation for further prospective studies to build upon.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | SEROMA FORMATION; CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE; SURGICAL SCARS; CANCER; AUGMENTATION; MASTECTOMY; OUTCOMES; SURGERY; SENSITIVITY; PREVENTION; Breast surgery; Breast reconstruction; Breast implants; Lightweight breast implants |
| Subjects: | 600 Technology > 610 Medical sciences Medicine |
| Divisions: | Medicine > Zentren des Universitätsklinikums Regensburg > Zentrum für Plastische-, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie |
| Depositing User: | Dr. Gernot Deinzer |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Sep 2025 09:43 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Sep 2025 09:43 |
| URI: | https://pred.uni-regensburg.de/id/eprint/64225 |
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