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Looking 'the same': Experiences of women who have had corrective surgery for breast asymmetry

NiMhurchadha, Sinead; Harcourt, Diana; Diba, Rebecca; Hughes, Jennifer; Nduka, Charles; Smith, Roger

Authors

Sinead NiMhurchadha

Rebecca Diba

Jennifer Hughes

Charles Nduka

Roger Smith



Abstract

Qualitative interviews with ten women found that following corrective surgery for congenital breast asymmetry, women were still concerned with the symmetry of their breasts and expressed high ideals regarding symmetry. Although women found an improvement in body confidence, some felt their confidence and socializing would be further improved with time. Women were secretive about their breast asymmetry and their surgery, being fearful of negative reactions from other people. It is necessary to establish and improve patients' expectations of the outcome of surgery particularly regarding symmetry, as well as providing psychological and social support to women after surgery. © The Author(s) 2012.

Citation

NiMhurchadha, S., Harcourt, D., Diba, R., Hughes, J., Nduka, C., & Smith, R. (2013). Looking 'the same': Experiences of women who have had corrective surgery for breast asymmetry. Journal of Health Psychology, 18(4), 488-496. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105312436766

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Apr 1, 2013
Journal Journal of Health Psychology
Print ISSN 1359-1053
Electronic ISSN 1461-7277
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 18
Issue 4
Pages 488-496
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105312436766
Keywords body image, breast asymmetry, qualitative methods, visible difference
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/946385
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359105312436766