What risks?

From the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK:

“The risks associated with silicone gel breast implants have been investigated on three occasions by independent expert groups working on behalf of the Department of Health. The latest of these, the Independent Review Group, concluded that the risks were no greater than for other implants, such as hip joints. MHRA is not aware of any evidence suggesting that saline used to fill saline breast implants presents any hazards.”

“…there is no evidence of a causal link between the implantation of silicones and connective tissue disease.”

“..silicone gel breast implants are not associated with any greater health risk than other surgical implants, and that silicone induces a conventional biological response, rather than an unusual toxic reaction.”

“In their 1998 report, the IRG said that “analyses of large groups of women both with and without breast implants have shown that there is a slightly reduced incidence of breast cancer in women with breast implants. Studies looking at the incidence of other cancers have failed to demonstrate a statistically significant increase among women with breast implants.”

So, OK, obviously there ARE risks, it’s surgery. But I’ve seen websites saying things like “You could die!!” etc. The breast cancer thing, breastfeeding thing and the stuff about leakage are not a worry for me.
I think the only risk comes from the surgeon who performs the op. If s/he is a good surgeon there will be nothing to worry about. The horror stories, the poor women who have gone through the surgery and come out deformed and ruined (I can’t imagine what I would do if that happened) most likely had their surgery done by an inexperienced hack who is not a specialised surgeon. I am choosing my surgeon very, very carefully. My consultation on Monday is mainly so I can get the surgeon’s name and look him or her up. I’ll also be asking if they are registered with the Medical Council, how many ops they have done and what level of aftercare they provide. I’ll let you all know the answers!