Changing the shape of the body seems to be the latest fad for a quick makeover, thanks to the growing popularity of plastic surgery to look and feel good. The most common operation is breast augmentation. The pursuit of luscious lips has also become a part of the silicone takeover, where this is inserted into the lips by making an incision. But before indulging in these acts of apparent aesthetic makeovers, it is essential to take a look at the dangers implants might pose.
Risky Reports
Breast implants were banned for 13 years by the US Food and Drug Administration. The ban was lifted on the condition of the employment of extensive research into the risks of such surgeries and the provision of information by plastic surgeons to their patients, prior to undertaking the procedure.
Silicone implants may rupture. This, apart from being painful, may lead to open sores being formed on the body that leak silicon. A study conducted by the FDA has found a link between implants and auto-immune diseases like fibromyalgia. A common complaint from surgery patients is capsular contraction, where scar tissue forms around the implant. For those with breast implants, this may lead to unnatural shape of the breasts or lopsidedness, unnatural hardness and pain.
Cancer Scares
Breast implants have been reported to interfere with mammograms and therefore, impede the detection of cancer. In fact, studies by the National Cancer Institute of the United States have revealed through statistical analysis that those with breast implants are twice as likely to die from brain cancer, three times as likely to die of lung cancer, and four times as likely to kill themselves.
Implants in the lips have also been linked to nausea, dizziness and terrible headaches. There may be huge bumps formed on the lips and, more often than not, the scars caused by surgery to fix this looks worse than the original damage. Patients have been known to die of toxic shock syndrome from an infection, and gangrene may also set in.
It must be remembered, however, that these studies are based on implants developed several years ago. New headways have been made in medical science, but they do not obliterate all the risks posed by implants. For those who wish to have surgery performed, please consult your plastic surgeon on the new technology that is being used and determine for yourself how much you are willing to pay for beauty.
