Fw: Letter to the editor of The Independent re implants

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----- Original Message ----- From: Zuckerman

igroup@...

Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2003 10:15 PM

Subject: Letter to the editor of The Independent re implants

http://www.theindependentjournal.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/02/19/3e53bdbf60849

Letter to the Editor of The Independent (U of Southern Florida newspaper)

Posted 02/20/2003

Every week our nonprofit center receives e-mails from women who desperately want to get their implants removed, but can't afford it. Many were happy with their implants at first, but when problems arose they felt betrayed and also angry at themselves for not listening to the warnings they had heard.Your article included a lot of useful information, but neglected to mention that the most common complication -- capsular contracture -- can be extremely painful. It can also distort the shape of the breast in very embarrassing ways.Although plastic surgeons state that most complaints about implants are cosmetic, the FDA's independent research indicates that additional surgery is often necessary to correct more serious problems. The FDA also found that after ten years, most women have at least one broken implant. If the broken implant is filled with silicone gel, it can leak and migrate to the lungs and other organs. Implant surgery is much less expensive than explant surgery. Nobody should consider implants unless they have at least $8,000 saved in case they need their implants removed.Sincerely, Zuckerman, Ph.D.PresidentNational Center for Policy Research for Women & Familieswww.center4policy.orgDr. Zuckermandz@...President, National Center for Policy Research for Women & FamiliesWashington, DC