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Annette StevensBritish woman with purulent inflammation of breast implants
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Defective Implants and Health Risks
- Symptoms and Denial
- The Diagnosis and Surgery
- Aftermath and Recovery
- Decline in Cosmetic Surgeries
Annette Stephens: Surviving a Life-Threatening Infection from Breast Implants
Annette Stephens, a 48-year-old cosmetologist from the United Kingdom, narrowly escaped a potentially life-threatening ordeal after her faulty breast implants began leaking toxic silicone into her bloodstream.
Defective Implants and Health Risks
In 2002, Annette underwent breast augmentation surgery to enhance her breasts, which had become saggy after breastfeeding her two children. The implants, manufactured by the Brazilian company Silimed, were later banned in the UK due to failing quality inspections. Unbeknownst to Annette, the implants had begun to degrade, releasing silicone into her body and causing a myriad of health problems.
Symptoms and Denial
Over the next decade, Annette experienced a range of unexplained symptoms, including severe pain, fatigue, nausea, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and hair loss. She initially attributed these issues to changing thyroid hormone levels. However, as her symptoms worsened, she began to suspect that her implants may be the culprit.
The Diagnosis and Surgery
In 2016, Annette underwent a scan that revealed a "significant leakage of silicone" from the implants. The protective coating surrounding the implants had deteriorated, allowing silicone to seep into her bloodstream. The implants were surgically removed in October 2016, and Annette has since shared her story to raise awareness about the potential dangers of breast implants.
Aftermath and Recovery
Despite the implants being removed, Annette continues to suffer from side effects of the silicone exposure. She experiences fluid retention, fatigue, and insomnia. However, she is grateful to be alive and is working towards recovering her health.
Decline in Cosmetic Surgeries
In 2016, the number of women undergoing cosmetic surgery in the UK reached its lowest level in a decade. Surgeons attribute this decline to economic uncertainty, with people opting for less expensive non-surgical procedures such as Botox injections and fillers.
