BTN News: In recent years, Australia has seen a sharp increase in the number of women undergoing breast implant removal surgeries. Many women report severe symptoms post-implant, raising questions about the safety and long-term effects of breast implants. Although the condition, often referred to as ‘Breast Implant Illness,’ is not officially recognized by the medical community, there is a growing call for more extensive research.
According to the Australian Breast Device Registry, the rate of “explant surgery” – the procedure to remove implants – jumped from 0.4 per 10,000 women in 2016 to seven per 10,000 in 2022. This includes women who had implants removed following cancer treatments. The rise in removals suggests a need to re-evaluate the potential health risks associated with breast implants.
Cristina Tamba, a dermal therapist from Queensland, is one of the many women who decided to have her implants removed. “I know I made the right decision because now I feel incredible,” she said. After undergoing breast augmentation over a decade ago, Tamba experienced symptoms such as weight gain, hormonal changes, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms are commonly linked to what some describe as ‘Breast Implant Illness.’
Health Improvements Post-Removal
Dr. Peter Widdowson, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Lotus Institute, has been removing implants for patients who report feeling unwell for the past five or six years. “Probably 80% of them come back six months later and say they feel much better,” he noted. Unlike the defective implants seen in France, these cases highlight potential health issues arising from having implants in the body.
A study by Macquarie University in Australia surveyed 226 women with breast implants. It found that 85% of the 77 women who had explant surgery reported improved health six months post-surgery. This study represents a significant step in understanding the health problems faced by women with breast implants in Australia. “When there are so many symptoms and variables, you need to take the time to systematically analyze all the data and observe the outcomes over a period,” explained Anand Deva, a professor at Macquarie University.
Regular Check-Ups Advised
Experts recommend that women with breast implants undergo annual check-ups. A 2023 survey by the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery found that breast augmentation was the second most common cosmetic surgery, with 26% of respondents having undergone the procedure. Regular monitoring is crucial to ensure any potential issues are detected early.
Are Implants Meant to Last a Lifetime?
Despite assurances from health organizations like the Mayo Clinic and Hospital Quirón about the safety of breast implants, they recommend replacing them every 10 to 12 years. The Australian study’s findings suggest that the presence of a foreign object in the body could lead to adverse effects, contributing to the symptoms of ‘Breast Implant Illness.’
The increasing number of women opting for explant surgery highlights the need for further research and awareness about the potential health risks associated with breast implants. As more women come forward with their experiences, the medical community may need to reconsider its stance on the long-term safety of breast implants.
Conclusion
The rise in breast implant removals in Australia has sparked significant health concerns. Many women report severe symptoms that they attribute to their implants, despite the lack of official medical recognition of ‘Breast Implant Illness.’ Studies and expert opinions suggest that these symptoms improve post-removal, underlining the need for ongoing research and regular health check-ups for women with implants. As awareness grows, it becomes increasingly important to re-evaluate the safety and longevity of breast implants, ensuring that women are fully informed about the potential risks and benefits.
