Australia has seen a significant rise in the number of women seeking breast implant removal surgeries, driven by increasing reports of severe symptoms following implantation. Although "breast implant illness" is not officially recognized as a medical condition, the growing number of cases calls for further investigation.
The Rise in Explant Surgeries
According to the Australian Breast Device Registry, the number of women undergoing explant surgeries has skyrocketed from 0.4 in 2016 to seven in 2022. This data includes women who had implants removed after cancer treatment, highlighting a broad concern about the safety and long-term effects of breast implants.
Cristina Tamba, a dermal therapist from Queensland, is one of many women who opted for explant surgery. "I know that I've done the right thing because I feel incredible now," she shared. Tamba experienced severe symptoms such as weight gain, hormonal changes, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts after her cosmetic breast surgery over a decade ago.
Understanding 'Breast Implant Illness'
The symptoms Tamba experienced are often associated with what some refer to as "breast implant illness." While the condition is not officially recognized in the medical community, the correlation between implants and adverse health effects warrants deeper exploration.
Dr. Peter Widdowson, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Lotus Institute, has been performing explant surgeries for the past five to six years. He observed that around 80 percent of his patients report feeling significantly better within six months of having their implants removed.
Research and Findings
A pioneering study conducted by Macquarie University in Australia examined the health of 226 women with breast implants. The study found that 85 percent of the 77 women who underwent explant surgery reported improved health within six months. "When you have so many symptoms and variables, you need to systematically analyze the data and look at outcomes over time," said Professor Anand Deva of Macquarie University.
Advice for Women with Implants
Experts recommend that women with breast implants undergo annual check-ups to monitor their health. The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery's 2023 survey revealed that breast augmentation was the second most common cosmetic surgery, with 26 percent of respondents having undergone the procedure. This statistic underscores the importance of ongoing health assessments for women with implants.
The surge in breast implant removal surgeries in Australia underscores the urgent need for more research into "breast implant illness." As more women report severe symptoms post-implantation, the medical community must take these concerns seriously and seek to understand the underlying causes. Improved tracking and investigation can help ensure that women receive the care and information they need to make informed decisions about their health.
Source: Euronews
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