The quality of information available to prospective cosmetic breast im
plant recipients in the private sector was assessed. Sixteen women tel
ephoned 14 clinics requesting written information about breast implant
s and their safety. The information received varied enormously in qual
ity. Of the purely cosmetic clinics offering information, it was gener
ally of better quality and more consistent than private hospitals wher
e accredited plastic surgeons operate. In the current climate of consu
mer choice and negative attention given to silicone breast implants by
the media, more comprehensive information should be readily available
to guide potential patients.