The Health Status of Women Following Cosmetic Surgery

Silicone Breast Implants and the Risk of Connective-Tissue Diseases and Symptoms

“…Our results are consistent with the findings of published epidemiologic studies of breast implants and rheumatic diseases [31][32][33][34][35][36] and reports in abstract form. [37][38][39][40] In a population-based retrospective cohort study, 31 749 women in Olmsted County, Minnesota, who received breast implants between January 1964 and December 31, 1991, were followed for a mean of 7.8 years and compared with 1498 control women of similar age without implants.…”

The Association of Augmentation Mammoplasty with Connective Tissue Disease, Including Systematic Sclerosis (Scleroderma): A Meta-Analysis

“…This search identified twelve studies [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]; all studies were read by the primary author. Five studies were excluded from further consideration: two did not have an internal control or comparison group [10,19], two relied on self-reported data derived from mailed questionnaires only to determine disease status in women exposed to breast implants and control women who had undergone other cosmetic procedures [13,14], and one used as the comparison group women seen in a rheumatology practice with musculoskeletal symptoms who may have sought consultation because of complaints related to breast implants [20]. Thus, the meta-analysis included data from seven studies; two retrospective cohort studies [12,15], and five case-control studies [11,[16][17][18]21].…”

“…Several epidemiologic studies have been conducted to formally address the hypothesis that women who have undergone augmentation mammoplasty are at greater risk of developing connective tissue disease, particularly systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), than women who have not had this procedure performed [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. Seven studies focused on the entire spectrum of rheumatic symptoms and/or connective tissue diseases [10,[12][13][14][15][16]20], while three focused specifically on the potential association with systemic sclerosis [17][18][19] and one focused specifically on the potential association with rheumatoid arthritis [11]. Only one of these studies, however, demonstrated a statistically significant association between breast implants and the development of connective tissue disease, specifically systemic sclerosis [19].…”

A Study of Postural Changes After Breast Augmentation

“…Moreover, they display a closed attitude suggestive of refusal and hide the breast by assuming the typical kyphotic posture. The literature contains numerous postaugmentation reports demonstrating patients' overall satisfaction with their new breasts [7][8][9][10] and the feel of these new breasts [7,10]. Moreover, patients do not regret the decision to undergo breast augmentation after surgery, stating that they would repeat the procedure and recommend it to others [7,9,10].…”