Breast implants come with health risks, not enough info

When a woman tells a man she has sprung a leak, it is possible
that she may be referring to more than the plumbing. Women, now
more than ever, can actually be referring to their ruptured breast
implants. Yes, ruptured breast implants. This can lead to an
obvious health issue.

Ever since this implant surgery was first attempted in the
1890s, many complications have occurred. With time, some
“progress” was achieved, and in 1962 the first breast
implants on an American were silicone. Because they did not appear
to be life-like, a new silicone was produced in the 1970s.
Unfortunately, these had a tendency to break more often and once
broken, total removal was difficult or, in some circumstances,
impossible. To help ease suffering and lower health concerns,
saline implants began to replace the silicone gel in the 1990s.
Although this seemed like a great idea at the time, consumers soon
discovered that saline was fragile, heavy and came with an audible
“sloshing” sound. Now, surgeons are suggesting going
back to a “new” cohesive gel silicone. But what makes
these implants so new and improved? After they rupture, they are
designed to maintain structural integrity. Now, ladies, does this
seem like an “improved” implant to you? Well, to some
degree, yes. But, I would consider a better new and improved
implant one that doesn’t rupture at all. Wouldn’t you
agree?

Even with the information and resources regarding ruptured
implants of both the new and the old silicone, many women still
undergo the surgery.

According to Dr. Diana Zuckerman and Dr. Rachel Flynn, “In
2000, 203,310 women underwent breast implant surgery for
augmentation and 82,975 women underwent implant surgery for
reconstruction after mastectomy.” However, these statistics
do not accurately show whether these were only the first surgeries
undergone by patients. Further studies from the Coalition of
Silicone Survivors have shown that the average life expectancy for
silicone implants is four to seven years, and for saline implants
it’s even less. Multiple surgeries must be undergone in order
to keep the implants looking their best. Thus, all implants ““
even the new cohesive gel implants ““ have expiration
dates.

Fortunately for those who have breast implants, many women are
happy. They say they have achieved the emotional confidence they
need to look and feel their best.

For those who are indecisive about getting breast implants, it
is important to be aware of all health issues that may be a result
of your decision. When having a breast implant consultation, ask
your doctor for a package insertion. This will inform you of some
common risks and concerns every woman should know prior to their
surgery. This important information is usually only given out upon
request.

The actual surgery for any kind of breast implant can eventually
lead to problems of implant ruptures, repeat surgeries, capsular
contracture, calcium deposits, changes in nipple sensation,
interference with mammography, difficulty in breast feeding and
increase in autoimmune disease. These are just a few that are
listed within the package insertion. However, although infection,
hemorrhaging and death have occurred with the surgery, they are not
mentioned within the package. Also, the physical effects of
firmness, discomfort, disfigurement, implant displacement and
scarring within the breasts can occur.

The fact of the matter is that every time a woman goes under the
knife for breast implants, she acts as a guinea pig with the hope
of easing her personal insecurities. Evidence proves that all
implants, including the new cohesive gel implants, are dangerous to
the body, either during insertion or later. So, for those willing
to risk their health, be sure that your “favorable
data” on breast implants gives you a satisfying definition of
what being “safe” truly means. To all of my ladies who
appreciate their bodies and know how to work with what they have,
you go girls!

Bal is a second-year communication studies student.