Plastic surgery is becoming so affordable that many more women can now choose to go under the knife in the hope of improving their, ahem, prospects. But women have such high expectations of cosmetic surgery that researchers are now observing a disturbing and significant association between breast augmentation procedures and suicide.
Recent analysis of a Canadian study involving 24,600 women during the 70s and 80s showed that while women with breast implants have a 26 percent lower mortality rate compared to the general population, suicide rates were 73 percent higher. The researchers say that this seemingly odd result can be explained by taking into account the health and psychological profiles of the women who choose to undergo cosmetic surgery.
Fewer deaths as a result of breast cancer and heart disease were due to inherent health factors among women who choose to undergo breast augmentation. "First, a woman must be in relatively good health to undergo breast implant surgery," said researcher Jacques Brisson. "Also, women who receive breast implants tend to be of higher-than-average socioeconomic status. Thus, women who undergo breast augmentation surgery are more likely to be in better health than the general population." Interestingly, a follow up study involving other types of cosmetic surgery reinforced this hypothesis, with mortality and suicide rates being 32 percent lower and 55 percent higher respectively.
The rather alarming increase in suicide rates among women who choose to have cosmetic surgery can be explained by considering their psychological profile, which is often marked by low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence and depression. The researchers think the findings should sound a warning to cosmetic surgeons, who they say should seriously consider whether cosmetic surgery will really improve their patient's quality of life. "If this reveals problems that cannot be treated with plastic surgery, doctors should refer these patients to mental health professionals," says Brisson.
Psychological stability aside, the researchers warn that there are other factors to consider before deciding to go under the knife. "Our study demonstrates that the risk of cancer - particularly breast cancer - is not higher in women with breast implants. But our study does not assess the impact of breast implants on other aspects of women's health. We know there are local complications due to implant degradation, which can sometimes lead to implant replacement. Women must take those facts into consideration when determining whether or not they want to receive breast implants," concluded Brisson.
Source: Université Laval
