Breast Implants: Your Decision
             In our society we have many and diverse values. One of the values is a woman's physical appearance. A woman's breast size often plays an integral part in her appearance to others and to herself. A woman's breasts are not simply just a part of her body but often for both men and women, they have come to represent femininity. Throughout a woman's lifetime her breasts may contribute to her sexual satisfaction, appearance, and self-esteem, yet many women are not satisfied with their breast size.
             Since the 1940's women have been trying various methods to increase their breast size for many reasons (Frontline). The society we live in puts great emphasis on appearance, so many women are self conscious about their breasts. Some women have elected to have breast implants after undergoing a mastectomy, yet others choose to have implants done strictly for cosmetic purposes. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has become involved in studying implants, rules and regulations have come into effect. The FDA, because of the side effects now limits people's options. For many women the benefits of having breast implants far out weigh the risks, and they should be able to make their own informed decision concerning medical procedures related to her breasts.
             Timmie Jean Lindsay in 1962 became the first woman to receive silicone breast implants (Frontline). Silicone, "gel implants," are made up of a plastic sac that is pre-filled with a clear, sticky, thick jellylike substance that is very close to the actual consistency of breasts. The problem with silicone implants is that they can leak, bleed, or rupture. When silicone leaks into the body it can cause hardening of the surrounding tissue. The biggest concern is about the relationship between the silicone in gel implants and autoimmune disorders such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthriti...