If You’re Thinking About Breast Implants, Be Aware of the Risks

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When I was thirty-five, I made the decision to get breast implants after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast implants are a common choice for mastectomy reconstruction, and I felt that at my age, I couldn’t imagine not having breasts. Therefore, I rushed the decision and didn’t thoroughly research the implications of breast implants.

Three years later, I opted to have my implants removed. The persistent shoulder and rib pain, along with twenty-nine symptoms related to breast implant illness (BII), led me to conclude that living with implants was not worth the daily suffering. It wasn’t until I fell ill and received no answers from medical professionals that I realized the source of my troubles. Since removing the implants, most of my health issues have improved. You might think my experience is singular and that the media often portrays breast implants as safe for most women. However, I strongly encourage you to conduct your own research before making a decision.

To assist you in this process, I consulted Dr. Ethan Taylor, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Denver, Colorado, to shed light on the realities of breast implants. I began by asking him who should definitely avoid getting implants. He explained that certain individuals are not “ideal candidates.” Smokers face increased risks of “healing issues” and “anesthesia complications.” Additionally, those with “unrealistic size expectations,” uncontrolled diabetes, or significant autoimmune diseases may also be at higher risk. Dr. Taylor is committed to declining surgery for anyone he perceives as unhealthy.

Even if you don’t fall into a high-risk category, it’s essential to recognize the numerous risks associated with breast implants. Dr. Taylor mentioned that the American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides a comprehensive list of risks to ensure patients are fully informed. He emphasizes the importance of having an honest conversation with his patients about these risks, which include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring
• Issues with wound healing
• Numbness
• Alterations in nipple sensation or function
• Challenges with breastfeeding
• Complications in mammography
• Potential need for MRIs or additional surgeries
• Dissatisfaction with aesthetic results
• The necessity for revision surgeries
• Risks of implant complications such as rippling, capsular contracture, or even serious health events like heart or lung complications

Additionally, I must mention that breast implants can rupture, causing silicone to leak into the body.

Feeling overwhelmed yet? There’s more to consider. A recent documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival titled “Explant” features a woman named Karen Ellis, who shares her journey of having her implants removed to regain her health. In the film, Karen speaks with several women who report symptoms of breast implant illness. Unfortunately, many of them were dismissed by their doctors, being told it was all in their heads.

I asked Dr. Taylor what a woman should do if she suspects her implants are causing her health issues. He advises documenting symptoms and consulting a primary care physician, requesting tests for inflammatory markers, complete blood counts, allergy markers, and connective tissue disease indicators. If she believes her implants are making her unwell, she should discuss removal with a plastic surgeon. However, it’s important to note that BII is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis, complicating the situation for both patients and doctors. Despite this, Dr. Taylor acknowledges that BII is a genuine phenomenon, as the body can react to breast implants as foreign objects. While he notes that “most” of his patients experience no issues, he is open to removing implants if requested.

From my research and the stories of countless women, I’ve found that many were assured by their surgeons that breast implants were “completely safe” and placed their trust in their doctors’ words. Yet, when these patients sought to have their implants removed, they were often told that their illnesses must stem from other sources.

Before you consider consulting a plastic surgeon about breast implants, take a moment to reflect on some important questions posed by Dr. Taylor:

• Assess your current autoimmune status and risks.
• Remember, breast implants aren’t permanent; they will need to be replaced or removed eventually—are you prepared for future surgeries?
• Mammograms can be challenging to perform and interpret with implants in place—are you comfortable with that risk?
• Furthermore, be aware that MRIs can be quite costly, often requiring out-of-pocket expenses.

It’s also worth noting that you may experience changes in nipple sensation or sexual pleasure after getting implants. If you have pre-existing neck or shoulder pain, consider that these issues may worsen due to the added weight of implants. Surgical recovery requires time off work, and rushing through this process can lead to complications like displacement or infection. If your job involves lifting weights, think about how implants might affect your performance.

Clearly, the decision to get breast implants is more complex than it may seem. While I completely understand the desire to enhance one’s appearance, especially in my case with a cancer diagnosis, I learned firsthand about the risks associated with implants. I dealt with persistent shoulder and rib pain, which persisted throughout the time I had my implants, and the symptoms of BII lasted a frustrating eleven months until the implants were finally removed.

I wish I could say my experience was unique, but the truth is, thousands of women are opting for explant surgeries each year. In 2018 alone, nearly 29,000 women underwent explant procedures. Their voices deserve to be heard and understood.

For further insights, you may want to check out some of our other posts, like this one on the importance of understanding your options. Additionally, exploring resources like In Vitro Fertilisation can broaden your understanding of related topics.

Summary:

Breast implants can seem like a straightforward solution for many, but they come with significant risks and complications. It’s essential to educate yourself thoroughly and consider your health status, potential future procedures, and the possibility of adverse reactions. Many women have had varied experiences, and it’s crucial to listen to their stories. Consulting with a knowledgeable plastic surgeon and being aware of the risks can help you make an informed choice.