Nipple-Areola Complex Reconstruction Improves Psychosocial and Sexual Well-Being in Women Treated for Breast Cancer

Abstract Introduction Women choose to undergo nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction as part of breast reconstruction following breast cancer. However, the impact of this procedure on psychosocial and sexual well-being is not well defined. The goal of this study is to evaluate how NAC reconstruction impacts patient satisfaction with regards to psychosocial and sexual well-being. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent NAC reconstruction at Magee-Womens Hospital from January 1, 2004 to July 31, 2011. A letter and questionnaire based on the BREAST-Q were mailed to patients requesting participation in the study. Patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were measured before and after NAC reconstruction. Results In total, 107 of 328 patients (32.6%) submitted the survey. The BREAST-Q scale score for satisfaction with outcome following NAC reconstruction was 85.1 ± 15.8 with higher satisfaction scores for patients with follow-up of 2.5 years (82.5 ± 21.7 vs. 69.5 ± 19.5; p< 0.01). No significant differences were found with satisfaction of the breast mound before and after NAC reconstruction. Women scored significantly higher on the psychosocial and sexual well-being scales after NAC reconstruction (p