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I was disappointed that your article made no mention of the potential health risks associated with the surgery both in the short-term and in the long-term. As an post that discusses only the psychological benefits of breast augmentation surgery, I feel that the health risks deserve some mention. Breast augmentation is a surgery that involves general anesthesia, with which there are always associated risks, and surgery also poses the minor risk of infection. The short-term risks are relatively minor; however, long-term risks are much more significant. Breast implants rupture a lot more easily than most plastic surgeons will admit and are not meant to last forever. Upon rupture, the silicone can migrate throughout the body and lead to complications such as connective tissue disease and neurological disorders. These symptoms, though many refuse to admit to their connection to the implants, disappear after the implants are removed. Furthermore, both saline and silicone implants contain platinum, a known toxin and heavy metal, in their silicone shell. Platinum can cause severe allergies, asthma, reduced immune responses and nerve damage, and it is potentially even more dangerous in its oxidized state. I urge women to receive adequate information and truly consider the risks involved before undergoing the surgery.
Sincerely,
Beth Katz
Intern, Our Bodies Ourselves
http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/