By Dr. Kay and Dr. Max -

Published 12:00 am PDT Sunday, October 1, 2006
Story appeared in SCENE section, Page L8

Comments (0)

Q: I am 35 years old, a size 4 but I have 32A breasts. I would love to have breast implants but am worried about health risks associated with them. I have had a nose job and liposuction, so I am not afraid of the surgery itself. My boyfriend says it is my decision, and he will support me in whatever I choose. What do you recommend?

A: There have been a lot of long-term studies on breast implants by now, and some of the early fears about implants do not appear to be valid.

There is no reproducible link to increased breast cancer or autoimmune disease in women with saline breast implants.

But interestingly, there does seem to be an increased rate of depression and suicide in women who have implants.

Recent data from a large Canadian study tracked almost 25,000 women who received breast implants between 1974 and 1989. The study showed a 75 percent increased risk of suicide in women who had implants vs. a control group. The numbers of suicides were small overall but were statistically significant. Other studies have also found increased risks of depression, lower self-esteem and body dysmorphic disorder in women who have had implants. It is not that the implants cause suicide or depression, but that some people who opt for the surgery may actually have unrecognized or untreated psychiatric issues.

Thus, if you are feeling depressed or if self-esteem issues are pushing you to consider this cosmetic surgery, you may want to see your doctor or mental health provider before deciding on implants. Given the fact that you have had two surgeries and are considering a third, you may want to ask yourself if this surgery will truly give you the satisfaction you are seeking.

P.S. Your boyfriend would have scored higher points with us if he had answered "I like you just the way you are"!