Q&A with Mary McDonough
1. Why did you form In the Know?
I suffered terribly because of breast implant problems. And I could never get facts on how to get better. Since I started speaking out about this issue, many women have asked me for help and information. I wanted to create a place where they could get what they needed to help themselves. This support group is not just for women with breast implant problems — it's also for women and girls suffering from eating disorders, failed cosmetic surgeries and other body image related issues.
2. Why is this group focused on women in the entertainment industry?
Women in the entertainment industry are privileged to be members of a community that shapes how the world views reality, so we have a responsibility to make sure we are helping to send the right messages. Sadly, the entertainment industry demands unattainable perfection from actresses, so we are disproportionately harmed by warped body images. We did start out with a focus on women in the entertainment industry, but we welcome all women now.
3. Why is In the Know focusing on breast implants?
In the Know is very concerned that the U.S. FDA has lifted restrictions on the sale of silicone breast implants after considering only about two years of data. And breast implants are one of the most common cosmetic procedures. There is also very little information for women with implant problems. It's such a private topic that if women don't get good information they tend to suffer in silence.
4. What would you say to women who really want silicone gel breast implants? Do you think you should be making this decision for them?
I — and the other women involved with In the Know — encourage women to do the research and get the facts before making decisions that might effect long-term health. We just want women to have access to safe products and procedures. We also want them to have access to accurate health information — information we didn't have when we chose our own cosmetic procedures.
5. Weren't implants proven safe?
No, implants have never been proven safe. All implants fall apart in the body over time. Many, many women require multiple surgeries because of problems with the implants. As for long-term illness, the great majority of the research has only looked at women who've had implants for a few years, so it's not surprising that we don't know what happens in the long-run.
6. Did you have problems with implants?
Yes, I did. I had painful rashes, fevers, aches and pains. I was so sick that I couldn't get out of bed. I still suffer from lupus, which subsided somewhat after I had the implants removed.
FAVORITE BREAST IMPLANT LINKS AND RESOURCES
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