National survey of self-reported breast implants: 1988 estimates

This report provides the first population-based national estimates of the prevalence of adult women with breast implants in the U.S. These findings are based on the Medical Device Implant Supplement to the 1988 National Health Interview Survey. The overall prevalence was 33 implant recipients (95% confidence limits [CL]: 26 to 40) per 10,000 women. Almost three-fourths had two implants: prevalence peaked at 85 (59 to 100) per 10,000 for women aged 35 to 44 years. Implant prevalence was statistically significantly greater among women who were white, residents of the south and west, had higher family income, and had more education, who worked, or were slim. Among current implants, 87% were original. Complications were reported for 24% of the implants.