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Patient Perception of Breast Implant Illness on Social Media
Isabella G Benintendi, Najma N Abdullahi, MPH, Spencer R Anderson, MD, Todd L Hicks, MD
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
2023-01-31
Presenter: Isabella Benintendi
Affidavit:
I have reviewed this submitted work and can attest that it is the original work of the resident and associated co-authors.
Director Name: R. Michael Johnson, MD
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Breast (Aesthetic and Recon.)
Introduction:
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a collective term encompassing an array of symptoms encountered by a small but growing number of patients with silicone and saline implants. The reported symptoms can be both physically and mentally debilitating. The exact pathophysiology of BII has not been established in the literature. A study regarding BII google trends stated misconceptions were unintentionally being perpetrated (1). A study analyzing Facebook BII Support Group posts noted frustration with plastic surgeons dismissing symptoms or ignoring current studies (2). The purpose of this study is to evaluate patient perception of BII via hashtag-associated Instagram posts to better understand communication gaps, potential misconceptions/frustrations, and improve patient education.
Methods:
Three-hundred posts from the three most-common hashtags, #breastimplantillness,
#breastimplantillnessawareness, and #breastimplantillnessisreal were analyzed. The posts were scrutinized per the following via RedCap: symptoms, length of illness, implant type, suspected causes, treatment, outcome, and concerns/frustration. Findings are reported in table and graphical format.
Preliminary Results:
Preliminary data shows the most common symptoms are chronic inflammation, joint pain, fatigue, heart
palpitations, and rashes. Symptom duration ranged 2-20 years, 40% reported silicone and 30% reported saline
implants. Many referenced "40+ toxins in implants", and 100% of those reporting implant removal declared
symptom improvement. The most common concern included lack of overall awareness.
Conclusion:
BII is a viral phenomenon on social media. It is imperative that future studies aim to understand patient perception and the underlying pathophysiology of this controversial symptomatology.
(1)Tang SYQ,et al. Breast Implant Illness:Symptoms,Patient Concerns,and the Power of Social Media.PlastReconstrSurg.2017
(2)Adidharma W,et al.Breast Implant Illness:Are Social Media and the Internet Worrying Patients Sick?PlastReconstrSurg.2020
