Breast Augmentation Linked to Tripled Risk of Suicide

Women who undergo cosmetic breast augmentation are three times more likely to commit suicide or die alcohol or substance dependence related deaths, shows a new study of Swedish women. The study, published in the August, 2007 issue of Annals of Plastic Surgery, adds to several prior studies that indicating an increased risk of suicide associated with breast implants.

The study analyzed data from a follow up study of 3,537 Swedish women who had undergone breast augmentation, following up on these women at an average of 18.7 years after the surgery. Compared to the general female population, subjects showed "significant 3-fold excesses of suicide...and deaths from alcohol or drug dependence." Interestingly, a significantly increased suicide risk was not evident until 10 years after the surgery. At 10 years, the risk was 4.5 higher for women with implants. At 20 years, the risk was 6 times higher. The risk was greatest for women who had been age 45 or older at the time of the surgery.

Researchers are quick to point out that the problem likely has little to do with implants themselves, but rather the mental status and motivation of the women who choose the surgery. This study, along with others from the United States, Sweden, Denmark, Canada and Finland points out the need for not only medical screenings before a candidate undergoes surgery, but psychological screenings as well. Candidates need to be assessed in terms of their motivation for surgery as well as their mental stability prior to surgery. If a woman is under psychiatric treatment, the plastic surgeon should further contact her mental health professional to make sure she is stable enough for the surgery.

ABSTRACT: Excess Mortality From Suicide and Other External Causes of Death Among Women With Cosmetic Breast Implants.