Why Breast Augmentation Patients Report Record-High Satisfaction
A landmark study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery revealed that 98% of women who underwent breast augmentation were satisfied with their results. The research followed hundreds of patients over several years to provide valuable insight into every stage of the breast augmentation process—from satisfaction with size and shape, to recovery timelines, to the psychological benefits women were feeling. The findings highlight what patients reported about their results, recovery, and confidence, offering a clear picture of what to expect when considering breast augmentation.
According to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 98% of women that took part in a five-year clinical study of breast augmentation said the results lived up to (or even surpassed) their expectations.
Inside the Study: Breast Augmentation Satisfaction
This landmark study provides valuable insights into how women experience breast augmentation, covering everything from recovery and results to psychological well-being. The study followed 225 women over a five-year period, asking each to return for an interview at least one month after surgery. The median age was 34, and most participants received under-the-muscle saline implants.
What Researchers Learned
During these follow-ups, patients shared candid details about their recovery, psychological well-being, results, and any complications. This feedback created an invaluable resource for surgeons, offering rare, real-world insight into the full patient journey. For surgeons like Dr. Plant, the study helps guide women toward smoother recoveries and more informed decisions about breast augmentation.
Breast Augmentation Study Results
The study examined patient satisfaction with breast size, firmness, shape, and recovery. These findings help set realistic expectations and show what most patients experience after surgery.
Breast Augmentation Satisfaction, Firmness, and Shape
When asked about their new breast size, patients reported:
- 85% said it was “just right”
- 13% would have preferred slightly larger
- 2% would have preferred smaller
These findings show that with thoughtful surgical planning and clear communication, the vast majority of women feel their outcomes match their expectations. It also showed that in the rare cases that women do have regrets over size choice, they generally wish they had gone slightly larger. With this information Dr. Plant has designed a custom implant sizing process used only at Lawrence Park Plastic Surgery that has virtually eliminated post-operative implant size choice regret.
When evaluating breast firmness and shape, 75% reported their results felt “just right.” This highlights the importance of both surgical technique and setting realistic expectations during pre-surgery consultations.
Breast Augmentation Recovery Insights
Recovery was another critical area of study. On average:
- Women rated their post-surgery pain as moderate (5.9 out of 10)
- Most used prescription medication for the first five days
- Patients took about seven days off work to recover
- It took around 25 days to feel fully back to normal
The Psychological Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Beyond physical changes, breast augmentation has a profound impact on self-esteem, confidence, and overall quality of life. The study highlights how transformative this procedure can be.
Boosts in Self-Esteem and Quality of Life
One of the most powerful takeaways from the study was the psychological transformation patients experienced:
- 92% reported improved self-esteem
- 64% reported a higher quality of life
Before surgery, 86% of women felt self-conscious about their breasts. After surgery, that number dropped to just 13%. For many, breast augmentation was not simply about physical changes, it was about regaining confidence and feeling comfortable in their own skin.
What Future Breast Augmentation Patients Can Expect
This study is essential for helping patients understand the true impact of breast augmentation. It highlights realistic timelines for recovery and sets clear expectations for results, while also validating the profound emotional and psychological benefits of the procedure.
For women thinking about breast augmentation, the research shows that when the procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, it can deliver not only beautiful results but also a meaningful, lasting boost in confidence, comfort, and overall well-being.
At Lawrence Park Plastic Surgery, Dr. Plant combines proven surgical expertise with an artistic eye to create natural-looking, confidence-building results tailored to each patient. Backed by research and years of experience, his approach ensures that patients feel informed, supported, and empowered as they begin their breast augmentation journey.
Ready to explore whether breast augmentation is right for you? Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Plant.
