Patient-Report Satisfaction and Health-Related Quality of Life in TiLOOP® Bra-Assisted or Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction Alone

Introduction Implant-based breast reconstructions (IBBR) using alternatives to acellular dermal matrixes are increasing. Data on complications are limited, and information concerning health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) following the use of these synthetic meshes do not exist. Methods Between January 2006 and January 2013, patients undergoing immediate or delayed-immediate IBBR with or without titanium covered polypropylene mesh (TiLOOP ® Bra) were investigated. HR-QoL was assessed using the validated self-reporting BREAST-Q questionnaire. Patient demographics and complications were evaluated retrospectively. Stepwise regression backward elimination analysis was performed to identify influential factors on each BREAST-Q domain. Results Of the 90 women, 42 had IBBR alone and 48 in combination with TiLOOP ® Bra. The mean follow-up was 18 months in the TiLOOP ® Bra and 17.5 months in the implant alone group ( p = 0.827). The overall complication rate was 21.1 %, with 14.6 % in the TiLOOP ® Bra and in 28.6 % in the implant alone group ( p = 0.105). Capsular contraction rate was 4.4 % in the TiLOOP ® Bra and 16.7 % in the implant alone group ( p = 0.052). The analysis of the HR-QoL showed no significant differences between the groups. Surgeries prior to IBBR had a positive influence on HR-QoL. TiLOOP ® Bra was associated with a negative effect on “satisfaction with breast” ( β = −5.72; p