Many women who have had a mastectomy undergo breast reconstruction surgery immediately after breast removal or after a period of time. Breast reconstruction was believed to improve the quality of all areas of a woman’s life.
But recent studies have shown that women who have recovered from cancer lead exactly the same lifestyles, regardless of whether they have reconstructed their breasts or not.
Of the 11 studies on quality of life – including studies on physical activity, emotional status, and social adjustment – 7 found no difference between women.
7 out of 12 studies on sex appeal showed no difference. In two, women who had breast reconstruction reported that their sex lives were less intense than before surgery.