I just received a touching email from a colleague who had breast implants and now regrets it after seeing the documentary “Inoffensifs, mes implants?” which will be released tomorrow, December 1st.
While the documentary IS EXCELLENT and important for better informing patients, I regret the fear it is ALREADY creating for many women who have implants but do not need them removed. Implants can still play a role in breast reconstruction after cancer, for example in thin women.
The documentary’s point is that breast implants are not as safe as once thought. Patients must be told and understand the many risks—rare cancers, breast implant illness, capsular contracture, the fact that 10–20% require additional surgery, and that implants cannot be kept for a lifetime. If patients understand these risks and still choose implants, that is informed consent.
I stopped having breast implants in 2021 because I didn’t want to risk harming my patients, and I’ve never regretted that decision. But, if your implants aren’t macro-textured or very old and you feel fine, their removal may not be necessary. Having said that, if you ever develop symptoms that your physician cannot understand despite investigations, keep in mind that your breast implants may be the cause.
I hope this reassures many patients.
-Dr. Nicolaidis