Background: Scar dissatisfaction is high in reduction mammaplasty. The purpose of this study is to determine patient satisfaction in relation to population demographics and pre-operative education.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 138 patients who underwent the inverted-T inferior-pedicle breast reduction between 2000 an 2004 at Ohio State University was done. Patients completed questionnaires on demographic variables and pre-operative patient education methods. They also ranked thier scar satisfaction relative to scar expectations. The results were analyzed by chi-square and logistic regression analysis.

Results: No statistical significance was found between satisfaction groups regarding age, BMI, tissue removed, race, complexion or post-operative complications. However, marital status, reasons for surgery and pre-operative patient education were all found to be statistically significant with regard to scar satisfaction post-operatively.

Conclusions: The majority of patients were satisfied with their scars and would undergo reduction mammaplasty again. Divorced patients were more likely to be dissatisfied with scar outcomes compared to married patients. Patients undergoing reductions for symptomatic reasons were more dissatisfied with their scar outcomes compared to those undergoing surgery for both cosmetic and symptomatic reasons. Lastly, patients shown both photos and drawings were less likely to be dissatisfied with scars compared to patients shown neither.