After receiving breast reconstruction, some breast cancer patients also had unrelated cosmetic surgeries in an attempt to improve their self-esteem and body image, according to a new study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
The study involved 1,214 post-cancer patients who received breast reconstruction surgery between 2005 and 2012 and found that 9.3 percent decided to undergo cosmetic surgeries such as facelift (19 percent), liposuction (33 percent), and eyelid lift (12 percent).
While the patients had varying personal reasons why they underwent unrelated cosmetic procedures, majority or about 62 percent cited they became more conscious about their appearance after breast construction surgery.
When asked if their cosmetic surgeries improved their body image and self-esteem, 72 percent of the respondents said they experienced significant improvements.
Meanwhile, the lead author of the study said that most post-cancer patients who opted for breast reconstruction still did not request for cosmetic procedures, which were not covered by health insurance.
But for post-cancer women who may choose to undergo cosmetic plastic surgeries, the researchers said the procedures may have positive impact on their body image and quality of life if done for the right reasons.
Breast reconstruction surgery either performed through breast implants or tissue-based method is automatically covered by insurance and health plans that provide surgical and medical benefits for mastectomy, according to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, which was signed into law in October 1998.