Press Releases
Local Practice Supports Study Linking
Breast Surgery to Self-esteem and Sexuality
April 9, 2007 - Oshkosh, Wis. - Recent doctorial research conducted by Dr. Cynthia Figueroa-Haas aligns with what Fox Valley Plastic Surgery doctors and staff hear from local patients: Women who undergo breast surgery see a boost in self-esteem and sexuality.
The Figueroa-Haas findings appear in the current issue of Plastic Surgical Nursing, the official journal for Certified Plastic Surgical Nurses. Kristin Shefchik, BSN, RN, CPSN, of Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, is a member of this association.
Figueroa-Haas studied women 21 to 57 years old, using the Rosenburg Self-Esteem Scale and the Female Sexual Function Index to rate their perceptions of self-esteem and sexuality before and after breast augmentation.
Her findings suggest improvements in self-esteem and sexual satisfaction were directly correlated with having undergone breast augmentation. Post-surgery, the participants' average self-esteem score nearly five points on the Rosenberg scale, and their average female sexual function score increased from nearly four points on the sexual function index. More detail on the study results can be found at http://news.ufl.edu/2007/03/21/breast-augment/.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Janssen and Shefchik understand the ethical considerations associated with the study. They advocate a holistic approach to consultation and do not view surgery as a panacea for other psychological issues.
Fox Valley Plastic Surgery continues to see rapid growth in augmentation procedures due to women who never developed adequate breasts or have breast changes from nursing, cancer or the aging process. The practice expects the trend to continue.
In 2006, 1.9 million cosmetic surgeries were performed, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Breast augmentation procedures increased 476 percent since 2000, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. More than 2 million women in the United States have breast implants, and 383,886 new augmentation procedures were performed in 2006.
As the nation and the Fox Valley continues to feed its growing need for cosmetic procedures, Figueroa-Haas advocates further research to assess psychosocial issues that arise after surgery.
Shefchik also believes nurses, as well as surgeons, play a critical role in understanding the emotional needs of cosmetic surgery patients. "Our patients are usually at a crossroads in their life and see cosmetic surgery as an important part of their personal rebirth. We are important facilitators in helping them achieve success in their journey."
For More Information Contact:
Kathy Fredrickson, 920-205-6671
