Content and Readability of Online Recommendations for Breast Implant Size Selection

Background:Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed aesthetic procedures in the United States. Online information is often used by patients to make decisions when undergoing cosmetic procedures. It is vital that online medical information includes relevant decision-making factors and uses language that is understandable to broad patient audiences. Ideally, online resources should aid patient decisions in aesthetic surgical planning, especially implant size selection for breast augmentation. We describe patient decision-making factors and readability of breast implant size selection recommended by private practice plastic surgery webpages. Methods:Using a depersonalized, anonymous query to Google search engine, the terms breast implant size factors and breast implant size decision were searched, and 52 plastic surgery private practice webpages were identified. Webpages were analyzed for reported decision-making factors of implant size selection. Readability analyses of webpages were performed with Readability Studio and Hemingway Editor. Results:The two major decision-making factors for implant size selection reported by webpages were body/tissue-based measurements and surgeon input. Ten factors related to patient lifestyle, surgical goals, and procedural options were also identified. Average webpage scores for five readability measures exceeded recommended levels for medical information. Conclusions:Reported decision-making factors for implant size selection emphasize a plastic surgeon's expertise but may enhance the patient's role in preoperative planning. Webpages describing breast implant size selection exceed the sixth and eighth grade reading levels recommended by the AMA and NIH, respectively. Improving the readability of webpages will refine the role of online medical information in preoperative planning of breast augmentation.

Automated summary

Breast augmentation is a popular aesthetic procedure and patients often rely on online information for decision-making. This study analyzes private practice plastic surgery webpages to identify patient decision-making factors and assess the readability of information regarding breast implant size selection. The major factors reported were body/tissue-based measurements and surgeon input, while other lifestyle and procedural factors were also identified. The readability analysis revealed that the webpages exceeded the recommended reading levels for medical information. Improving the readability of online resources can enhance their role in preoperative planning for breast augmentation.