Increased Capacity for Work and Productivity After Breast Reduction

Abstract

Background: Breast hypertrophy is a prevalent condition among women worldwide, which can affect different aspects of their quality of life. The physical and emotional impact of breast hypertrophy may harm daily activities, including work. Objectives: To assess the impact of reduction mammaplasty on the ability to work and productivity of women with breast hypertrophy. Methods: A total of 60 patients with breast hypertrophy, already scheduled for breast reduction, aged 18 to 60 years and who had formal or autonomous employment were prospectively enrolled. The Brazilian versions of two validated tools, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment - General Health (WPAI-GH) and Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) were self-administered at the preoperative evaluation and six months following surgery. Results: The median age was 33 years, median body mass index was 24 kg/m(2), and the median total weight of resected breast tissue was 617.5 g. According to the Brazilian classification of occupation, most patients (53%) had technical, scientific, artistic and similar occupations. There was a significant improvement in work capacity and productivity six months after the reduction mammaplasty, denoted by a decrease in presenteeism, absenteeism, and WLQ Productivity Loss Score (Wilcoxon analysis of variance: P<.0001 for each of these domains). Conclusions: Reduction mammaplasty increases the work capacity and productivity of Brazilian women with breast hypertrophy.