For some people, plastic surgery holds the promise of improving their physical appearance. This is one reason why some women undergo breast implant surgery. But like any form of surgery, it is important for individuals considering breast implants to understand the real risks involved with having this operation.
While many women go through with breast implant surgery without problems afterward, breast implants may still cause a number of potential health issues. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent out a press release in September of 2020 explaining some of the risks involved with breast implants.
Details from the FDA
The FDA explains that health risks resulting from breast implants have come to light over the past few years. After surgery, some women have experienced breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Other health problems include symptoms like pain in the joints, rash, fatigue, or a condition known as “brain fog.” These symptoms may result from breast implant illness.
As a result of the past few years of research, the FDA has issued some recommendations to manufacturers of breast implants. These include providing warning information to patients through a patient decision checklist placed into the box labeling. Further guidance includes updates to labeling information for breast implants, such as adding information to screening recommendations to help prevent the rupture of silicone gel-filled breast implants.
The need for informed consent
The FDA emphasizes that their new recommendations should not replace the discussions patients have with their doctors about the risks of breast implant surgery. Rather, these new guidelines should add to the existing conversations between patients and doctors on this subject.
Informed consent is a must when it comes to any plastic surgery. As the American Medical Association explains, informed consent is when a doctor informs a patient about all potential risks that could result from surgery so the patient may make an informed decision. Health care providers should be up to date on guidance from federal agencies so they can help their patients choose their treatment wisely.
