Breast Implants, Self-Esteem, Quality of Life, and the Risk of Suicide

Diana M. Zuckerman PhD, Caitlin E. Kennedy, PhD and Mishka Terplan MD, MPH, Women’s Health Issues: April 2016

Breast Implants, Self-Esteem, Quality of Life, and the Risk of Suicide

SUMMARY

Breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgery in the United States, with approximately 300,000 surgeries annually (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2012). Many women seek breast augmentation to improve their lives, self-esteem, or relationships (Crerand, Infield, & Sarwer, 2007); however, numerous research reviews have concluded that suicide rates are higher for women with implants (Crerand et al., 2007; Lipworth & McLaughlin, 2010; McLaughlin, Lipworth, Murphy, & Walker, 2007; Rohrich, Adams, & Potter, 2007; Sansone & Sansone, 2007; Sarwer, Brown, & Evans, 2007).  In addition, there is evidence of an increased risk of suicide for women who undergo reconstruction with implants after mastectomy, compared to other mastectomy patients (Le et al, 2005).  Other published research on the impact of breast implants on mental health provides insight into the possible reasons for the apparent link between breast implants and suicide.

Article available at http://www.whijournal.com/inpress.