Fay Camerling, a 47-year-old woman from Oxfordshire, spent her teenage years being teased for her small breasts. Feeling insecure and impulsive, she decided at age 21 to get breast implants. However, her small frame meant the implants were larger than anticipated, leading to challenges with clothing and a feeling of discomfort. In 2011, she experienced capsular contracture, a condition where scar tissue forms around the implant, restricting movement. This led to revision surgery, but the new implants were later withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns related to an increased risk of lymphoma.
Despite the challenges, Fay’s experience highlights the potential for breastfeeding with breast implants, with the NHS advising that placement and type of surgery are crucial factors. She also found a large lump in her armpit, which was later diagnosed as a rupture. Ultimately, at almost 48, Fay prioritized her health and decided to undergo explant surgery, removing the implants altogether. The procedure revealed an inflammatory response in her body, explaining the pain and discomfort she’d been experiencing.
Star Freudenberg, a 32-year-old Londoner, underwent breast implant surgery at age 18 due to societal pressures surrounding beauty standards. While initially feeling better with the implants, she started to question the potential consequences and chose to have them removed in April 2024. Her decision was fueled by a desire for self-acceptance and concerns about the effects of extreme heat on the implants.
The removal surgery went smoothly, with Star experiencing a quick recovery and feeling a significant improvement in her overall health and well-being. She now sleeps better, breathes easier, and has better posture.
These personal stories reflect a wider trend. Singer SZA recently announced her decision to remove her implants due to discomfort and scar tissue. Statistics from The Aesthetic Society show a 47% increase in breast implant removal requests between 2020 and 2021.
This rising trend is driven by a combination of factors, including capsular contracture, implant rupture, changes in breast shape over time, and genuine health concerns. However, misinformation and fear can also contribute to the decision.
While breast augmentation surgery can be transformative, it also carries risks such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, infection, and in rare cases, BIA-ALCL. It’s crucial for individuals considering breast implants to discuss these risks with a qualified surgeon and make an informed decision.
The growing trend towards implant removal reflects a shift towards body positivity and a greater appreciation for natural beauty. New procedures using fat transfer techniques for breast augmentation are becoming increasingly popular, providing a less invasive alternative. Furthermore, a move towards more natural-looking results in breast augmentation is becoming more common.
As society’s perception of plastic surgery evolves, so too does the science behind it, offering women more options and empowering them to make choices that align with their individual needs and desires.
