With the slew of plastic surgery-enhanced imagery we see nowadays in our media, many modern women consider breast implant surgery over the course of their lives. But those who opt to forego this type of plastic surgery may be dodging a huge bullet.
Recent research links breast implants to many possible health complications. Some scientists even implicate breast implants in the development of autoimmune disorders. Women considering breast implant surgery should educate themselves on the potential risks to ensure they’re making the best decision.
Surgical Complications
Many women who undergo surgical breast modification find themselves going back for surgical revisions more often than they originally intended. For starters, this can cause medical bills to pile up while costing the woman additional financial stress in lost productivity.
More serious complications of breast implant surgery include scarring, bruising, blood clots and even skin necrosis, in which the body’s tissue begins to die [1]. Scar tissue sometimes continues to grow, leading to misshapen, asymmetrical breasts.
Furthermore, breast implants occasionally leak or rupture. For women with silicone implants, this condition requires immediate medical attention, as these ruptures allow the implant filling to escape into the body. Sadly, some women who experience breast implant rupture lack the financial means to afford a new augmentation after removing the damaged implant, leaving her with lopsided breasts.
Also, breast implants can cause women to develop a rare form of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This cancer often follows infection, so women who don’t practice their physician’s follow-up care instructions carefully and seek immediate medical attention if nipple discharge or fluid buildup occurs are at greater risk. While BIA-ALCL responds well to treatment and rarely causes death, the disease nevertheless can claim lives without prompt attention.
Though the exact cause of BIA-ALCL remains unknown, researchers have discovered women with textured implants contract infections more often than women who opt for smooth implants. That may be because textured implants contain more nooks and crannies where bacteria can hide and multiply.
Many women who undergo breast augmentation surgery also develop back, neck and shoulder pain as a result. The additional weight from the implants strains a woman’s muscles in ways nature never intended [2].
Autoimmune Disorder Link
Some research indicates breast implants may spur the development of autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia, lupus, scleroderma and chronic fatigue syndrome [3]. In particular, women who opt for silicone-based implants run the highest risk of developing such disorders, especially if they suffer a rupture.
Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues instead of bacteria. Some researchers theorize breast implants stimulate the development of autoimmune disorders because the body recognizes the implants as foreign bodies and attempts to destroy them. When the immune system remains in a perpetual state of stimulation, it’s only a matter of time before it begins attacking healthy tissue.
Symptoms of autoimmune disorders include constant achy or sore joints, swollen glands, a feeling of fatigue that continues even after a restful night’s sleep and digestive disorders such as nausea or diarrhea. Those suffering from an autoimmune disease may achieve relief with some medications. However, finding the right treatment protocol often involves much trial and error.
Many women who develop autoimmune symptoms after having breast implants experience a reduction in their symptoms once they get their implants removed.
If You Still Wish to Augment
Women undergo breast augmentation surgery for any number of reasons. Some women even get them after being forced to have their breasts removed due to illness. Those planning on moving forward with breast implant surgery should opt for the least hazardous course whenever possible. Opt for saline implants over silicone implants. Should a saline implant rupture, the body absorbs the extra saline naturally, whereas silicone can devastate the immune system.
Also, choosing smooth implants over textured implants reduces the risk of developing a bacterial infection significantly. Regardless of what type of implant a woman selects, she should take care to follow all postsurgical instructions to the letter.
Better yet, why not work on coming to terms with your body as it is? Once I realized my smaller breasts made running and other exercises more pleasant, I started to appreciate them more. And I save a fortune on bras, as my puny pillows feel quite comfy in a built-in bra tank. In the long-run, implants won’t often cure our problems. However, accepting ourselves often can!
God gave you what you got for a reason… We should ALWAYS be thankful!