Related Experiment Videos
What influences public perceptions of silicone breast implants?
D L Larson1, R C Anderson, D Maksud
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Public perception of silicone breast implants is heavily influenced by media coverage, which is widely viewed as biased. Despite this, media remains the primary information source for negative conclusions regarding breast implants.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Public Health
- Media Studies
Background:
- Public opinion on silicone breast implants has been shaped by significant media attention.
- Concerns exist regarding the objectivity of media reporting on breast implant issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess public attitudes towards breast implants.
- To understand the influence of media publicity on public perception.
- To compare attitudes across different demographic and patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Surveys were conducted in Milwaukee using questionnaires tailored to four groups: reconstruction patients, mastectomy patients without reconstruction, augmentation mammaplasty patients, and the general public.
- Data was collected from 156 participants (54 reconstruction, 14 mastectomy, 26 augmentation, 60 general public).
Main Results:
- Over 98% of respondents were aware of the breast implant controversy, primarily through media (less than 10% cited medical journals).
- 88% perceived media coverage as biased, with only 6% finding it objective.
- Many in the general public were unaware of alternative reconstruction methods and expressed hesitancy towards the procedure.
Conclusions:
- Media significantly influences public perception of silicone breast implants, even when perceived as biased.
- The public relies on media for information, leading to negative conclusions despite awareness of bias.
- Minimizing conflict in media coverage could reduce the newsworthiness and potentially alter public perception.