Breast implants are linked to a higher risk of suicide. A new Swedish study followed 3527 women who received breast prostheses between 1965 and 1993. The researchers analyzed the trends according to the causes of female mortality. 175 of the women committed suicide during the study period – a figure three times higher than the average reported suicide risk for women in the general population. The risk was observed 10 years after surgery.
The study’s lead author, Loren Lipworth, told Reuters that the risk of suicide in patients undergoing cosmetic breast surgery should be assessed. She also notes that although the results do not demonstrate a causal relationship between breast implants and suicideswomen who decide to have them may be at higher risk for psychiatric problems in general, perhaps because of low self esteem or body image issues.
The findings of this study support the findings of previous studies. In 2014, Canadian scientists also noticed a high rate of suicide among women who had breast implants. However, they were notably less exposed to the risk of other diseases such as cancer.
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