Readers share reactions to breast implant story

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charlotte_living

Posted on Sun, Nov. 20, 2005

Readers share reactions to breast implant story

Editor's Note: We received many responses regarding

Garloch's story on Sharon Eller's breast implant

surgery ( " My New Breasts, " Nov. 14 Sunday Living).

Here are edited excerpts:

Implants challenging but have been worth it

I enjoyed the article on breast augmentation and found

it informative. I have been struggling with the

decision to have my implants removed.My first implant

-- silicone -- was in 1986, above the muscle. The

resulting size was 34C from 34B and I thought they

were perfect. As you reported, implants do not last

forever and I had them replaced in 1998.

The second procedure was more like two surgeries. The

first to remove the implants and clean out the pocket,

followed by new implants installed. Both of the

silicone bags were hard and ruptured. Thankfully the

scar tissue sack had held the silicone in its place.

Know that it is nearly impossible to have a breast

size the same after the second surgery. The pocket

created will be larger due to " cleaning out the scar

tissue. " My second augment resulted in size 34D+. The

second surgery implants were placed under the muscle.

From a mammogram and tech point of view, this is

preferred as it is much easier to detect breast

abnormalities. However, putting the implants under the

muscle does change the way the pectoral muscles work.

When squeezing the palms together, doing push-ups,

bicep curls and other exercises involving the

pectorals, the breast flails out under the armpit and

flattens the center area around the breastbone. I am

writing you to let you know this is not pretty! A

woman who has not had the benefit of two different

surgeries would never know of the difference.

You might think that I have a negative view of breast

augmentation. Not true, I would do it again. But,

being more informed I would have made different

choices.

I would stay above the muscle. I would take the

incisions under the breast or in the armpit. I would

plan for smaller breasts the first time. I would

research what doctors in other countries are doing in

their operating rooms.

My challenge is to return my breasts to the original

proposed scope. That being a natural looking breast

enhancement measuring 34C. It will be a more costly,

not typical, corrective surgery.

Please tell your readers there is much more to think

about than what is written in the " Breast Augmentation

Pamphlets. "

Name withheld by request

-------------------------------

Please report the facts: Women are getting sick

How can you possibly report that bigger is better.

Just look at Hollywood (younger actors) and the

fashion world and you will see that smaller is better.

And have you ever considered the other side? Women are

now regretting getting implants and having them

removed?

I speak from experience. I too had implants for about

5 years and had them removed in 2004 after an array of

diseases tied to silicone. It took me over a year to

get better, and I am not the only one. Please do some

research and report the facts woman are getting sick

from implants.

Name withheld by request

---------------------------

Horrified with message the Observer is sending

I'm glad Sharon feels better about herself, but

horrified with the dangerous message you are sending

your readers and my daughter. I could really rant and

rave for hours over this, but would rather sit down

and read with my kids. In fact, I'm going to read them

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery . We just saw

the play today at ImaginOn. It's all about becoming

real. Now that's newsworthy.

Name withheld by request

-------------------------

Here's a real story: breast reduction surgery

It's a shame that our culture makes such a big deal

about big breasts. On the other hand, I know four

women who have reduced the size of their breasts via

surgery, and they are, without exception, 100 percent

satisfied and happy. In fact, they would do it again

tomorrow. If you wanted to do a piece about breast

reduction, now that would be a story.

Name withheld by request

-----------------------------

Over-the-top story height of poor taste

What were you thinking by presenting this over-the-top

monument to one woman's vanity and self-centered

obsession with her appearance? What her own warped

views about femininity and appearance consist of are

her own business. But to print it on Sunday, of all

days, with a suggestive picture, in an area of the

country that prizes its devotion to privacy and

religion, is the height of poor taste.

Charlie Seng

Lancaster, S.C.

------------------------------

Self-esteem and men -- that's what it's about

What is going on with women today? Why are so many

getting boob jobs?... It has got to be a matter of

self-esteem -- and, of course, men. Really. If all the

men disappeared from our world, would we still be

running around getting boob jobs?

Amy Peacock

Charlotte

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Give Eller her due for being courageous

Please pass along the following to Sharon Eller:

Sharon, I have struggled with the issue of the plastic

surgery industry and have been trying to determine

where my frustration lies. But regardless of where I

stand on that issue, I always celebrate women -- and

girls -- who are willing to put their opinion on the

line, say what is on their mind, and use their voice.

Sister, you did that in this article and I know how

scary this must have been.

Molly Barker

Charlotte