Breast Implants: What You Need to Know Before Making a Decision
Are you considering breast implants? Before making a choice, it’s critical to comprehend the potential risks and side effects. In this article, we will discuss the experiences of Kathy Ozakovic, who underwent breast augmentation at the age of 21 due to her struggles with body image and an eating disorder. Kathy shares her journey, including her decision-making process, surgery, and post-surgery experiences, to help you make an informed decision about breast implants.
Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation: What’s the Difference?
Breast augmentation and breast implants are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different procedures. Breast augmentation is a general term that refers to any procedure that increases the size or enhances the appearance of the breasts.
On the contrary, breast implants are a distinct form of breast enhancement surgery that entails surgically inserting a saline or silicone gel-filled implant beneath the breast tissue or chest muscle to increase the size of the breasts.
Breast augmentation can also be achieved through other methods besides implants, such as fat transfer or injectable fillers. Fat transfer involves taking fat from one area of the body and injecting it into the breasts to enhance their size and shape. Injectable fillers, like hyaluronic acid, can be used to temporarily increase breast size and fullness, but the results are not permanent.
According to the key findings of the Aesthetic Society plastic surgery statistic for the year 2021, 365,000 breast augmentations were carried out in 2021 (+44%). In addition, 71,000 women had their implants removed but not replaced, while 148,000 women had their implants removed and replaced (+32% from 2020).
Materials Used for Breast Implants
Breast implants can be made of silicone or saline, with both types containing silicone on the outside. While saline implants are often considered safer, they are also made up of silicone on the outside to keep the sealant inside, which contains various toxins like heavy metals such as mercury and tin. It’s essential to understand the potential risks associated with both types of breast implants and to discuss them with a qualified plastic surgeon.
Kathy’s Experience with Breast Implants
At 21 years old, Kathy decided to undergo breast augmentation due to her struggles with body image and an eating disorder. Her mother supported her decision, and together they went through the process of choosing the right implants with a plastic surgeon.
The surgeon recommended teardrop-shaped breast implants, which were placed under the muscle for safety and a more natural appearance. Textured implants were also suggested for decreased risk of ruptures. After the surgery, Kathy wore a compression bra for four weeks, and it took her six to eight weeks to recover.
The Risks and Side Effects of Breast Implants
Breast implants can have potential risks and side effects that women should be aware of before making a decision. The body’s natural immune system attacks breast implants as foreign objects, which creates a capsule of scar tissue around the implant. Over time, the scar tissue can cause the implant to compress and change the shape of the breast.
Additionally, micro-leakages of silicone can occur over time, causing toxins to permeate the body. These toxins can lead to breast implant illness and symptoms such as chronic fatigue, mood swings, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and temperature regulation issues.
Consider the Long-Term Costs and Dangers of Breast Implants
Kathy emphasizes that she did not have the knowledge or competence she has now when she underwent breast augmentation. Despite being healthy, her immune system went into overdrive when she had the breast implants, causing her body to create scar tissue.
She encourages people to consider the long-term costs and dangers of breast implants before deciding to undergo the surgery. It’s important to understand the impact of breast implants on the body’s immune system, as well as to have knowledge about nutrition, fitness, or mindset work.
Kathy’s Experience with Explant Surgery
Kathy underwent explant surgery to remove her breast implants. Her implants had turned yellow, which she believes may be related to her elevated liver enzymes and jaundice during the time she had them in her body. Not all women experience this discoloration, but it may be a sign that the implants were close to rupturing.
Choosing breast implants involves careful consideration and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, and women should be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with the procedure.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a personal choice, and it’s important to understand the potential risks and side effects before making a decision. It’s essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon and discuss the different types of breast implants available and their potential risks.
Women should also consider the long-term costs and dangers of breast implants before deciding to undergo the surgery. By being well-informed, you can make an informed decision about breast implants that is right for you and your body.
At me&my wellness, we believe in a holistic approach to health and wellness. We provide personalized solutions that can help you achieve your health goals in a sustainable and natural way, without relying on dieting. Contact us today to learn more about our holistic health care solutions and how we can support you on your wellness journey.