Sheffield woman suffers Heart attack after Breast implants removed

The 62-year-old from Mosborough, who asked to be known simply as Tina, now accuses the NHS of 'negligence' for not giving her the treatment she deserves following her ordeal that started almost two years ago.

She said it all began when she decided to have the breast implants taken out for health reasons – after watching a TV programme cautioning people of the side effects of breast augmentation.

Tina, who had breast implants since she was 25 and had them replaced over time, said: "I knew breast implants needed changing every 10 years, but after watching the TV programme, I didn't want them anymore. I wanted them out.

Sign up to our daily newsletter The i newsletter cut through the noise "They said if you have breast implants, symptoms might start to show between four and six years."

She said she had the second set of breast implants in 2003 and admitted that they should have been removed a long time ago, before she felt something amiss with her chest.

She also claimed that a tube was found during the removal surgery.

She added: "I felt a big lump above my breast and I was told to get the implants out. And ever since they were removed, I came home, it was hurting, it felt like my chest was ripping out.

"I've been suffering, and puking all the time and I lost a lot of weight. If I moved about, I'd still puke and now I have to double my medication intake."

Tina, who is already diabetic and on insulin, said she now has chronic asthma, bronchitis and rippled bones, to name a few conditions, due to steroid medication she has been taking over the years.

And now that a heart attack has joined the long list of illnesses, she said the NHS has not been helpful despite complaints.

"They only took some blood from me last year before Christmas but this has been going on for two years,” she said.

"I have been on sickness tablets. This is pure negligence, it's disgusting. This should've been sorted two years ago but they have not sorted me out. They dragged it on and dragged on.

"I am still in this pain and I’ve been throwing up a lot and I can no longer walk long distances. Otherwise, I’d fall. I’d need my walking stick with me.

"I shouldn't have done it, as I realise what it's done to me now. I regret it now,” she added.

She said she has booked an appointment with a cardiac doctor at the Northern General Hospital on July 28 to get further medical assistance.

She said she previously requested to have her breasts rebuilt by using some fat from her backside, but this was turned down by the hospital as it would be a risky procedure given that she is diabetic.

"If given a choice, I’d like that. I really would. But the NHS said I couldn’t do it because I am diabetic. It would be too risky for me – that’s why I had the breast implants in.”

In response, Dr David Hughes, medical director at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said Tina has had a number of appointments since her surgery in July 2019 and has been seen by several clinical specialists, who have explained her clinical condition in detail.

He said: “She has also had extensive diagnostics, including a mammogram and ultrasound in the past 12 months. She attended A&E in April 2020. After triage, a series of tests and seeing a doctor the decision was taken to admit her for further investigations but she chose to leave before being admitted.

"She was given a follow-up appointment to determine if she required any further treatment or care. She has further treatment planned to take place. We are very sorry that she has felt cause to complain and we will provide a full response to her questions and offer her another opportunity to discuss any aspects of her care which she still has concerns about.

"We will also confirm again that a tube was not found in her breast during implant removal surgery. The shape on the scans was part of the rupture she had experienced and was removed successfully during surgery.”

Breast Implants: A Comprehensive Guide

Breast implants are medical devices used to enhance the size, shape of the breasts or restore breast volume lost due to factors like pregnancy, weight loss, or mastectomy. They are commonly used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. Over the years, advancements in technology and surgical techniques have made breast augmentation one of the most sought-after procedures worldwide.

Types of Breast Implants

There are two primary types of breast implants: saline and silicone.

1. Saline Implants – These are filled with sterile saltwater. They are inserted empty and then filled once in place, allowing for smaller incisions. If they leak, the saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body. However, they may feel less natural compared to silicone implants.

2. Silicone Implants – These are pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely resembles natural breast tissue. They tend to provide a more natural feel but require larger incisions for placement. In case of rupture, silicone may remain within the implant shell or leak into the breast implant pocket, necessitating monitoring via MRI.

Other variations include: - Gummy Bear Implants – A form of silicone implant with a thicker gel that maintains shape even if the shell breaks. - Structured Saline Implants – These contain an inner structure to provide a more natural feel.

Reasons for Breast Implant Surgery

1. Cosmetic Enhancement – Many women opt for breast implants to achieve fuller breasts or improve symmetry. 2. Reconstruction After Mastectomy – Breast cancer survivors often choose implants to restore their natural appearance post-surgery. 3. Correcting Asymmetry – Some women have naturally uneven breasts, which implants can help balance. 4. Post-Pregnancy Restoration – Pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter breast shape and volume, leading some women to seek augmentation.

The Surgical Procedure

Breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in one of three locations: - Inframammary (under the breast fold) - Periareolar (around the nipple) - Transaxillary (in the armpit)

The implant is then placed either: - Subglandular (under the breast tissue but over the chest muscle) - Submuscular (under the chest muscle)

The choice of placement depends on body type, implant type, and desired results. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours, with most patients returning home the same day.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery varies but generally involves: - Swelling and Discomfort – Managed with prescribed pain medication. - Limited Activity – Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. - Supportive Bra – Worn to minimize swelling and support healing. - Follow-Up Visits – Essential to monitor healing and implant positioning.

Most patients resume normal activities within a week but should avoid heavy lifting for several weeks.

Risks and Complications

While breast implants are generally safe, potential risks include: - Capsular Contracture – Scar tissue tightening around the implant, causing firmness or pain. - Implant Rupture or Leakage – May require removal or replacement. - Infection – Rare but may necessitate implant removal. - Changes in Sensation – Temporary or permanent nipple sensitivity changes. - Breast Implant Illness (BII) – Some women report fatigue, joint pain, or other symptoms, though research conclusively linking these to implants remains limited.

Long-Term Considerations

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. The FDA recommends monitoring silicone implants with MRIs every few years to check for silent ruptures. Many women choose to replace implants after 10-15 years due to natural aging, changes in preference, or complications.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation is crucial. Patients should: - Review before-and-after photos of previous patients. - Discuss expectations and desired outcomes. - Understand all potential risks and aftercare requirements.

Cost of Breast Implants

The cost varies based on: - Surgeon’s expertise - Geographic location - Type of implant - Facility fees

On average, breast augmentation costs between $5,000 and $10,000, typically not covered by insurance unless for reconstructive purposes.

Alternatives to Implants

For those seeking enhancement without surgery, alternatives include: - Fat Transfer – Uses the patient’s own fat, harvested via liposuction, to augment breasts. - Non-Surgical Lift Treatments – Such as laser therapy or injectable fillers, though results are temporary.

Ethical and Psychological Considerations

Patients should have realistic expectations and understand that implants will not resolve underlying self-esteem issues. A thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon helps ensure satisfaction with the results.

Conclusion

Breast implants offer a viable solution for those seeking aesthetic enhancement or reconstruction. With proper research, a skilled surgeon, and realistic expectations, patients can achieve satisfying and safe results. Regular follow-ups and awareness of potential risks ensure long-term satisfaction and health.

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