Playboy Models Claim Implants Caused Health Problems

Three Playboy Playmates, including Karen McDougal, claim that breast implants have caused a wide range of health problems for them, from autoimmune disease to rashes and thyroid problems and dizzy spells.

“I had them removed six weeks ago,” Karen tells The Doctors. “The day after surgery my blurry vision went away, my heart palpitations went away, and my hearing sensitivity went away.” She still has symptoms, but “It took me 21 years to get sick, so I know it’s going to be a process.”

Watch: Cancer from Breast Implants?

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Andrew Stork says that in his own practice of 35 years, “I can say unequivocally that it’s a safe and very effective procedure, one of the most popular things we do, with a hugely high satisfaction rate.” But, he adds, he does believe some patients can experience an inflammatory immune response that can cause the types of symptom Karen describes.

Plastic Surgeon Dr. David Rankin agrees that this is probably an immune reaction. Karen's implants were saline, but some silicone might have made its way into her body from the implant coverings. The procedure he performed for Karen is known as an “explant” -- he removed her implants along with the capsules her body had formed around them.

Watch: How Deflated Implants Affect the Body

ER Physician Dr. Travis Stork concludes, “If you do have breast implants and you’re concerned about them, go talk to either plastic surgeon you saw initially or someone you trust.”