Committee publication · Correspondence · 3 September 2025 · HC 869
Correspondence from the MHRA, dated 26.08.2025
From: Women and Equalities Committee
Inquiry: Health impacts of breast implants and other cosmetic procedures
Summary
The MHRA writes to the Women and Equalities Committee Chair to report publication of its Cosmetic Breast Augmentation Risk Awareness Tool, developed following research into how patients perceive implant risks. The tool provides written information and a checklist of known risks to support informed decision-making, with recommendations for provision at first consultation. Patient feedback was positive.
Key findings
- MHRA research identified opportunities to improve risk communication around breast implants
- Risk Awareness Tool includes checklist of known potential risks with implants and surgical risks, plus breast implant record and notes sections
- Tool designed for patient-facing use; patient feedback exercise showed strong support with respondents reporting feeling more informed and prepared
- MHRA recommends tool be provided at first consultation or initial contact with hospital or clinic
- Further work underway to develop similar tool for breast reconstruction surgery; pilot exercise planned to assess clinical practice use
Tone
FactualTopics
Key actors
MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency), Sarah Owen MP, Dr Alison Cave, Women and Equalities Committee
Notable line
“The tool will provide additional written information to patients to help support their own research and it will also help to support verbal discussions about risk with their surgeon during consultations …”
Key Quotes
“The research concluded that there were opportunities to improve risk communication.”
“We have recommended that the risk awareness tool is provided to patients at their first consultation or at their first contact with a hospital or clinic.”
“There was strong support for the tool and patients said it helped them feel more informed and prepared.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗