Jun 19, 2019
Between the latest online fads and the crazy media headlines, it’s easier than ever to get confused about your health. If you want to make better decisions about your health today so you can feel better and live longer, you’ve come to the right place.
On this episode we’re talking about the connection between breast implants and thyroid disease. Awareness of Breast Implant Illness (BII) is growing in the medical community, and today we’re going to answer some of the most pressing questions surrounding this topic. Who is at a greater risk for developing an illness after implants? Is implant removal the only solution for those with Hashimoto’s disease? If you already have implants what are your options? There are many questions that have yet to be answered on this topic, but that didn’t stop me from diving into the literature to find out all I could about this controversial topic to share with you on today’s podcast.
I’m joined by America’s holistic plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn, who performs up to 150 breast augmentation surgeries each year. We discuss the quality of research that is currently being conducted to help identify the correlation between breast augmentation and certain autoimmune diseases and what options are available to women who have already had implants. You’ll want to hear the advice that Dr. Youn gives to all women who are considering getting implants and why the one test that tells whether you will have implant complications may not be worth it’s $4,000 price tag.
Key Takeaways:
[:33] Today’s topic is the connection between breast implants and thyroid disease.
[1:55] Introducing Dr. Youn, who shares how his education and training taught him to view breast and thyroid disease issues.
[3:51] An overview of the main confusion points around silicone breast implants, including the 1992 implant ban, FDA studies and subsequent ban lift in 2006, and the recent increase in stories from women suffering from illness and disease after undergoing silicone breast augmentation.
[6:15] What questions are being researched in breast implant studies and who is funding these studies? Dr. Youn argues that the studies are not getting good answers because they’re not asking the right questions.
[8:30] Studies that do support a connection between breast implants and illness, and a look at what Dr. Youn has seen in his own practice.
[12:32] Dr. Youn’s recommendations to women who are prone to autoimmune diseases and are considering breast augmentation.
[14:20] Have you already had breast implants? A look at the health risks versus benefits for removal of implants.
[19:29] Understanding the correlation between ALCL cancer and textured or smooth silicone breast implants.
[22:44] A look at the specific data surrounding Hashimoto's disease in relation to implants.
[26:56] Is the silicon antibody test worth it’s $4,000 price tag?
[29:10] The emotional aspect of breast implants and how it plays into making an educated, well-informed decision when considering implants.
[33:26] The importance of educating yourself and making sure your decisions are backed by science, not emotion, in helping women make the right decision for their health.
[34:28] Do you have a topic you’d like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.
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