Patient preferences regarding the gender of their physicians is a highly sensitive issue, which can be particularly salient in intimate medical situations. Previously published studies found that women tend to prefer female physicians, especially in the case of obstetricians and gynecologists. Data regarding other intimate specialties, such as breast surgery, are scarce. The present study was undertaken to assess gender preferences of women regarding their choice of a breast surgeon. Five hundred and fifteen consecutive women who attended breast clinics in two university-affiliated tertiary hospitals were prospectively enrolled. A 25-item anonymous questionnaire was completed by women independently and used to assess their preferences in selecting their breast surgeon. Of the 515 women, 500 (97 % response rate; mean age 50.6 ± 15.4 years) completed the anonymous questionnaire. Overall, 160 (32 %) women preferred to undergo breast examination by a female breast surgeon, 296 (59 %) had no preference, and only 44 (9 %) preferred a male surgeon. A same-gender preference was significantly and independently associated with younger age of the patients (Odds Ratio = 0.978, 95 % Confidence Interval 0.962–0.994, P = 0.007) and being married (Odds Ratio = 0.563, 95 % Confidence Interval 0.347–0.916, P = 0.021). However, only small and equal numbers of patients preferred to undergo breast surgery by a female (14 %) or a male (13 %) surgeon, and most patients (73 %) had no gender preferences. Furthermore, the three most important factors, which affected in general the actual selection, were surgical ability (93 %), experience (91.2 %) and knowledge (78.6 %), rather than physician gender per se. Overall, about a third of women prefer a female breast surgeon for their breast examination. Embarrassment during the examination was the major reason for same-gender preference. In contrast, when it comes to breast operations, preference for a female surgeon is less pronounced, with the professional skills of the surgeons becoming the predominant consideration. The fact that almost a third of the potential patients prefer female surgeons with regard to their breast examinations emphasizes the need to increase the number of female surgeons. Such an increase can be achieved through academic and economic changes that will enable more women to specialize in general surgery. Trial registration is not required for this type of research.

Introduction: Fat grafting is a valuable tool for oncologic breast reconstruction, as it enhances aesthetic outcomes. However, concerns regarding oncologic safety and challenges in postoperative imaging have limited the adoption of immediate oncoplastic breast reconstruction (IOBR) with fat grafting. This approach can reduce the need for additional surgeries, shorten recovery time, improve aesthetics, and help mitigate the adverse effects of adjuvant radiation therapy. This study evaluates postoperative, radiological, aesthetic, and patient-reported outcomes of immediate fat grafting in oncoplastic breast reconstruction following lumpectomy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients undergoing IOBR with immediate fat grafting following lumpectomy (2020–2022). The plastic surgery team performed reconstruction simultaneously with lumpectomy by breast surgeons. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Breast-Q questionnaire, while expert surgeons evaluated aesthetic outcomes. Lesion characteristics, specimen weight, and postoperative radiation details were recorded. Postoperative breast imaging was reviewed for fat grafting-related abnormalities. Results: Fifteen patients were included, with 87% undergoing postoperative radiotherapy. No major complications or readmissions occurred within 30 days. Breast imaging follow-up showed 91.1% had benign post-surgical changes, while 8.9% required short-term radiologic follow-up. Post-lipoid injection findings appeared in 37.8% of cases, none with calcifications. Patient satisfaction was high (average Breast-Q Score was 74.5), with only one patient requesting additional fat grafting post-radiation. Expert assessments confirmed improved aesthetic outcomes. Conclusion: IOBR with immediate fat grafting is a useful technique for lumpectomy defects across all breast quadrants, demonstrating low complication rates, high patient satisfaction, and positive aesthetic outcomes. Postoperative imaging follow-up revealed no adverse effects related to fat grafting, supporting its potential role as an additional tool in oncoplastic breast reconstruction. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Background: Permanent dark ink tattoos for radiotherapy (radiation-related tattoos) play a critical role in breast cancer management by ensuring accurate field localization and consistent patient positioning. While effective, these markings persist permanently and may negatively impact body image and quality of life. Laser tattoo removal using selective photothermolysis is the standard of care for tattoo removal, with the 20-nanosecond Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) particularly suited for targeting dark dermal pigment. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of QSRL for the removal of radiation-related tattoos in breast cancer survivors. Methods: A prospective, single-center interventional study of female breast cancer survivors with radiation-related tattoos. Eligible participants underwent up to 6 QSRL treatment sessions. Outcomes were assessed by 2 independent dermatologists through blinded evaluation of pre- and post-treatment photographs using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), patient satisfaction scores, and body-image questionnaires. Adverse effects were documented as well. Results: Seven patients were included with a total of 23 tattoos. Significant improvement or complete resolution (average GAIS ≥ 3) was noted in 91% of treated tattoos, with strong inter-rater agreement (87%). Treatment was well-tolerated, with mild-to-moderate, short-lived pain during the procedure and minimal downtime. Patient satisfaction was high and no adverse events were reported. Conclusion: QSRL is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated modality for removing radiation-related tattoos in breast cancer survivors and may represent a valuable component of comprehensive post-treatment care for eligible patients.