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Contemporary decision making and perception in patients undergoing cosmetic breast augmentation
Jennifer L Walden1, Georgia Panagopoulous, Sarah W Shrader
1Lenox Hill Hospital/Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Institute, 50 East 71st Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. drjenniferwalden@hotmail.com
Aesthetic Surgery Journal
|July 6, 2010
Summary
Patients seeking breast augmentation (BA) heavily rely on the internet, particularly search engines and plastic surgeon websites, for information. Traditional referral sources like primary care providers play a diminished role in modern decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Patient Decision-Making
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Modern breast augmentation (BA) patients utilize diverse information channels.
- These sources can significantly shape patient perceptions and choices regarding BA procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the decision-making process of patients undergoing BA.
- To investigate how patients gather information on procedures, risks, devices, referrals, and surgeons.
Main Methods:
- A 36-item blinded survey was administered to 100 patients undergoing primary aesthetic BA.
- Inclusion criteria: post-FDA silicone implant approval, ≥4 months follow-up.
- Exclusion criteria: reconstruction, revision, augmentation/mastopexy, implant exchange.
Main Results:
- 41% of patients initiated their search on Google; 18% used BA portal websites.
- Plastic surgeon websites (49%) and consultations (14%) were key factors in surgeon selection.
- Patient's desire for appearance change (36%) and surgeon websites (16%) were primary decision influencers.
Conclusions:
- The internet, including Google, surgeon websites, and portals, is a critical information source for BA patients (ages 20-50).
- Patients are educated, employed, and independent decision-makers.
- Primary care provider referrals have a reduced impact on information seeking for BA.
