Abstract

Women presenting for breast augmentation and breast reduction to a National Health Service plastic surgery/psychiatry liaison clinic appear to differ beyond the anatomical. Those requesting breast reduction tend to be younger, unmarried and not to have been pregnant and may be uncomfortable with adult sexuality. Those requesting breast augmentation are presenting for surgery in their mid-thirties although many have always had small breasts. This is at a time of fading attractiveness, marital difficulties and a sense of failure as a woman. We report a strikingly poor obstetric history in this group.