SDC 1. Representative statements abstracted from the FDA labeling and patient checklist guidance displayed to respondents
Statements eliciting respondent agreement Abbreviated forms
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. The longer people have them, the greater the chances are that they will develop complications, some of which will require more surgery. Given this information, I am LESS likely to receive implants.
Not Considered Lifetime Devices
Breast implants have been associated with the development of a cancer of the immune system called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This cancer occurs more commonly in patients with textured breast implants than smooth implants, although rates are not well defined. Some patients have died from BIA-ALCL. Given this information, I am LESS likely to receive implants.
Risk of BIA-ALCL
Patients receiving breast implants have reported a variety of systemic symptoms such as joint pain, muscle aches, confusion, chronic fatigue, autoimmune diseases, and others. Individual patient risk for developing these symptoms has not been well established. Some patients report complete resolution of
symptoms when the implants are removed without replacement.
Given this information, I am LESS likely to receive implants.
Risk of Systemic Symptoms
After implants are placed, patients should have an ultrasound or MRI 5-6 years after the initial surgery to monitor for implant rupture even if there are no symptoms. Given this information, I am LESS likely to receive implants.
Recommendation of Initial Screening for Rupture
After the first ultrasound or MRI is completed, patients should then have an ultrasound or MRI every 2-3 years to monitor for implant rupture even if there are no symptoms. Given this information, I am LESS likely to receive implants.
Recommendation of Continued Screening for Rupture
Breast implants can interfere with mammograms and breast exams, which could delay the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Mammograms can also cause breast implants to rupture or leak.
Given this information, I am LESS likely to receive implants.
Interference with Mammograms/Breast Exams
All breast implants contain chemicals and heavy metals. Most of these chemicals stay inside the shell of the implant, but small quantities have been found outside the implant even if the implant is intact and not ruptured or leaking. Given this information, I am LESS likely to receive implants.
Chemicals/Heavy Metals Found Outside of Implants
There are several long-term risks of breast implants. Up to 59.7% of patients require an additional operation. Given this information, I am LESS likely to receive implants.
Risk of Needing Additional Operation(s)
There are several long-term risks of breast implants. Up to 51.7% of patients develop painful or tightening of scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture). Given this
information, I am LESS likely to receive implants.
Risk of Capsular Contracture
There are several long-term risks of breast implants. Up to 31.2% of patients develop rupture or leaking of the implant.
Given this information, I am LESS likely to receive implants.
Risk of Rupture or Leaking
