Introduction

Introduction

The topic of this web page is breast implants. Breast implants are biomaterial bags placed inside the chest to enlarge or reshape the breasts. The technology of breast implants is not particularly new, and so the interresting issues involve not so much the science or engineering of the topic, but rather the interplay between society and this field of biotechnology. At heart are two major questions:

1. Under what circumstances should a woman get (or be allowed to get) breast implants?

2. How should responsibility and accountability be distributed among the various groups involved.

The larger issue that promps question one involves the use of biotechnology for purely cosmetic reasons, especially when the technology is potentially harmful. Question two is in reaction to the huge lawsuits in recent history against not only implant makers, but also their suppliers. On this web page we will not promote opinions about these issues, but will try to show what prompts women to get implants, what the associated risks are, and how the recent litigation has affected the indusry.

Reasons and Procedure Body Dysmorphic Disorder Pectoral Implants Morbidity Breast Feeding Litigation

Timeline history of Breast Implants Interview with a recipient Interview with a surgeon Survey Statistics Frequently Asked Questions

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Introduction