Causes of Death Among Finnish Women With Cosmetic Breast Implants, 1971-2001

Cause-specific mortality was examined among Finnish women who underwent cosmetic breast implantation between 1970-2000. Causes of death through 2001 were identified through the national mortality register. Among the 2166 women with cosmetic breast implants, 31 deaths were observed versus 32.1 expected. There was a statistically significant excess of suicide, based on 10 deaths, which was most pronounced during the first 5 years of follow-up. The high suicide risk supports other studies & warrants further detailed investigation. (22 refs.)