by Lily Yan

published on Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Yan

On an Internet forum, Shannon talks about her experience with breast implants.

Having had breast augmentation at 23 years old, Shannon told Implantforum.com she felt like a new person.

"I am so happy I did this," she wrote. "I was determined to make the most of the rest of my 20s and beyond because wherever you are in your life right now, you will never be able to get this time back.

"You really can't put a price on your self-esteem."

And Shannon's right. You can't put a price on self-esteem. But she did. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast implant procedures average anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000.

Luckily for Shannon, she had her implantation in 2003, the same year that the Food and Drug Administration voted against re-allowing silicone implants to be sold and allowed only saline implants for regular breast augmentations.

But those who had opted for surgery in the 1970s or 1980s probably received silicone gel implants, which had high rates of leakage and "bleeding" of silicone gel over a period of time.

These women had to pay a much higher price for self-esteem.

Shannon Scott also had implants. Scott may have the same name as the other Shannon, but she has a decidedly different view.

"I'm 23 years old, and I'm in bed most days almost all day," Scott told The Associated Press. As a result of her implantation, she has developed painful scar tissue among other health problems.

The Associated Press reported that on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, the question of allowing silicone implants for regular augmentations will resurface. The FDA will review the recent studies of Inamed and Mentor corporations, two manufacturers of silicone breast implants. The studies will introduce dozens of women who will testify to side effects -- if any -- of their breast implants over a course of three to four years.

Inamed and Mentor have told the FDA that the restrictions will remain intact until further studies are complete about silicone seepage.

In response to preliminary analyses of these studies, the FDA said last week that the data has "limited value" and suggested it did not cover an extensive enough period to show long-term side effects. Nonetheless, they will consider lifting the ban if this week's testimony sways the FDA's General and Plastic Surgery Devices Panel.

Which brings up the controversial question among women: How far should you go to fit society's image of looking good?

A girl I know with saline breast implants couldn't be prouder of them. She flaunts them everywhere, using any excuse to turn the topic to her boobs.

"I think I'm getting a tan line, look," she once said to me, pulling down her shirt.

Then there's Christy (name changed), a girl with large, perky and natural breasts who worked with me at a restaurant. Most male customers knew her by her boobs, saying, "Y'know, that girl," as they placed their hands a foot away from their chests to indicate very large breasts.

But Christy frequently complained about her breasts.

"It's true about the back pain," she said. "And fitting into tops is hard, too."

There will always be conflicting stories about the ups and downs of cosmetic implants, but if there's any doubt, a woman should definitely think twice about it.

Today, Scott is uninsured, on disability and can't afford to remove her implants. The way I see it, implants are like tattoos: If you're OK being stuck with them all your life, then go for it.

But if it's self-esteem you're seeking, your best bet is to use the thousands of dollars to seek counseling instead.