20 janvier, 2006 14:02
Silicone implant problem
Dear Dr. Gott: I have silicone breast implants. The capsule around the implants hardened, and my doctor had to perform a closed capsulotomy. Is this condition going to cause health problems in the future?
Dear Reader: From your brief description, I conclude that your surgeon had to modify the covering that kept your breast implants in place. In my experience, this is an unusual solution to the problem of malfunctioning implants. A more customary approach would be to remove the silicone entirely and replace the prostheses with saline breast implants.
Although several studies have failed to demonstrate an unequivocal relation between silicone breast implants and autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and scleroderma, many women believe that they have suffered irreparable damage from leaking breast prostheses, causing arthritis, fatigue and a host of other symptoms.
Therefore, I urge you to obtain a second opinion from another surgeon, who might recommend another operation to remove the silicone and substitute a less toxic substance.
