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. 2020 Sep 23;8(9):e3116.
doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003116. eCollection 2020 Sep.

Perception of Implants among Breast Reconstruction Patients in Montreal

Gabriel Bouhadana  1 , Yehuda Chocron  2 , Alain Joe Azzi  2 , Peter G Davison  2
Affiliations

Perception of Implants among Breast Reconstruction Patients in Montreal

Gabriel Bouhadana et al. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. .

Abstract

Background: In light of the recent surge of media coverage and social media influence regarding breast implants, it is essential to understand patients' concerns and misconceptions so that we can better serve them.

Methods: The authors designed a survey study for assessing the awareness and perception of patients toward breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and breast implant illness (BII). In total, 130 patients presenting to the senior author's breast reconstruction clinic completed the survey. The survey assessed patients' knowledge on and their perception of BIA-ALCL and BII.

Results: "News article" and "Television" were most often selected as sources of information for BIA-ALCL (21% and 20%, respectively) and BII (20% and 25%, respectively). A total of 100 patients (77%) had previous knowledge of BIA-ALCL. Forty-seven percent (n = 47/100) responded that they were unsure of the fate of a person diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, and 25% (n = 25/100) were unaware of the association between BIA-ALCL and specific implant type. Patients who were unaware of BIA-ALCL prognosis reported being less likely to receive breast implants in the future (P = 0.012, χ2 = 19.48). Eighty-nine patients (68%) had previous knowledge of BII. A total of 60 symptoms were mentioned by patients, with "Fatigue" (12%, n = 26) being cited the most often.

Conclusions: The present survey highlights the importance for plastic surgeons to frequently discuss these entities with their patients. This should be done despite the obscurity of BII, in an effort to offer the best available evidence to our patients.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Answers to the question “Where have you heard of BIA-ALCL/BII?” (Questions 6 and 13).
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Answers to the question “How has the emergence of BIA-ALCL affected your perception of breast implant surgery?” (Question 7).
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Answers to the question “Are you more or less likely to recommend breast implants to a family member or friend?” (Question 8 in the BIA-ALCL section).
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
Answers to the question “How has the emergence of breast implant illness affected your perception of breast implant surgery?” (Question 15).
Fig. 5.
Fig. 5.
Answers to the question “Are you more or less likely to recommend breast implants to a family member or friend?” Question 16 in the BII section).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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