Feminist Peace Network

Okay, I admit it, I have no idea why anyone , except for reconstructive reasons, would get breast implants, never mind why the FDA has once again approved silicone implants. And ads like this one quoted in the New York Times send me running for the barf bag:

““You know that feeling when you find the perfect size,â€? reads the copy for the Natrelle Breast Enhancement Collection that ran in the November issue of Elle magazine. “And we’re not talking diamonds.â€?”

But as the NYT points out, diamonds last a whole lot longer than boob jobs. And check out the fine print,

““Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and breast implantation is not necessarily a one-time surgery,â€? reads a warning in much smaller type on the back of the advertisement.”

And just how many women have to endure re-operation–a whopping one-third within 4-5 years according to the info in the ad. Which means added health risks and added cost. And even on a good day, some of the darn things only have a 10-year warranty. But what the hey–you just replace them if they go bad,

““Women are used to having their hair or nails done on a regular basis to maintain their appearance,â€? said Dr. Jewell, who has conducted clinical trials for both implant manufacturers and is a consultant for Allergan, the manufacturer behind the ads running in Elle. “Ultimately, breast implants may also be a matter of maintenance.â€?”

Putting oil in your car is maintenance. Trivializing major surgery to replace or remove malfunctioning sacks of toxic gel that we decided to put in our bodies because pretty much every advertiser in Elle (and every other ‘women’s’ magazine) has made us totally insecure about our beautiful bodies by calling it maintenance sounds more like misogynistic profiteering to me. Yes I know, that was a run-on sentence, I forget to punctuate when I’m mad.

Despite the FDA’s re-approval of silicone implants, there are numerous continued questions as to their safety. A new film from Amaranth Productions tells the sorry tale. Learn more about the film here.

Filed under: Uncategorized, Atrocities, Misogyny, Women's Health