Comparison of Breast-Q scores following T-inverted augmentation mastopexy using split-thickness fascioglandular flap and standard technique: a prospective study

Objective. To compare satisfaction with breasts, sexual and physical well-being using the BREAST-Q questionnaire in 12 months after T-inverted augmentation mastopexy with and without split-thickness fascioglandular flap. Material and methods. A single-center prospective study included 85 patients who underwent T-inverted augmentation mastopexy with (n=40) and without (n=45) split-thickness fascioglandular flap. Before surgery and 12 months after procedure, patients were assessed using the BREAST-Q questionnaire on three scales: satisfaction with breast, sexual and physical well-being. Data are presented as median and interquartile range. The Mann—Whitney test was used for between-group comparisons and the Wilcoxon test for within-group comparisons. The effect size was estimated using r coefficient. Results. No significant between-group differences were observed preoperatively across all scales. At 12 months, both groups demonstrated improvement in BREAST-Q scores compared to baseline. However, postoperative values for all three scales were higher in split-thickness fascioglandular flap group: satisfaction with breasts — 85.0 [77.0; 91.0] versus 74.0 [68.0; 80.0] points (p<0.001), sexual well-being — 79.0 [73.0; 90.0] versus 71.0 [64.0; 77.0] points (p<0.001), physical well-being — 73.5 [64.5; 85.3] versus 67.0 [60.0; 73.0] points (p=0.003). Effect sizes for satisfaction with breasts and sexual well-being scales were large in both groups, while effect size for physical well-being was moderate. Conclusion. T-inverted augmentation mastopexy was associated with better BREAST-Q scores in both groups. However, split-thickness fascioglandular flap was associated with higher postoperative scores across all scales at 12 months following surgery.