Breast Implants
In the early 1980's breast implants began gaining popularity, but they have been on the market since the early 1960's. They were invented by plastic surgeons Cronin and Gerow. Dow Corning began manufacturing them commercially in 1962. Today over two million women have undergone breast augmentation surgery. There are many negative consequences that may arise from the surgery, and there is always the risk of infection or rupture. Silicone breast implants have been around for 40 years and there have been very few studies on their consequences, and possible effects on a woman's body. The Food and Drug Administration has never approved the use of silicone implants. It is a surprising fact, because silicone implants are still being used today. Breast inplants have been promoted as being safe, yet their safety has never been fully questioned.
Every woman has her own reasons behind her decision to get breast implants. Some women have undergone mastectomies, and get breast implants in order to feel "normal" again. According to the National Women's Health Network (http://www.womenshealthnetwork.org) women who have lumpectomies have the same survival rate of women who have mastectomies as a result of breast cancer. They concluded that up to 40 percent of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer underwent unnecessary mastectomies. These mastectomies, whether necessary or not may lead to women to undergo breast augmentation surgery.
Other women have always felt that their breasts were too small, and out of proportion to their bodies. There are also the women who have average to large sized breasts to begin with, but for some reason feel the need to enhance her natural form. Body image plays a large role in whether a woman decides to undergo breast augmentation surgery. Women view themselves, and judge themselves by what they see on television, movies, and in magazines. The way the media portrays women is not natural. Models and actresses are, on the most...
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