Lucy Pargeter, 42, who’s played Chas Dingle in ITV’s Emmerdale since 2002, revealed breast implant surgery she had 11 years ago started to cause her health problems. The star had the surgery in 2002 to enhance her boobs to a size DD, but she dubbed them “toxic bags” as they caused her to struggle to breathe. Speaking to The Sun in June, the actress revealed she’d made the decision to have the breast implants taken out and had begun to feel much better. She said: “They are out. I’m as flat as a pancake, I look awful but feel good.”
Lucy underwent two boob jobs at the ages of 21 and 32, but said they caused her a range of health problems, including joint pain, anxiety, rashes on her chest and pain in her chest and armpits.
She continued: “When I woke up in recovery, the first thing I did was panic because I could breathe – I could take in a massive breath.
“I thought they were trying to give me too much oxygen – I panicked. I forgot what it was like to have a full lung of air.
“I mean, it’s amazing – I can breathe.”
The actress appeared on a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary earlier this year which investigated women who claim their breast implants are impacting their health.
In the documentary she said her surgery went “absolutely fine” but both her breast implants were “encapsulated” and “deformed”.
Breast enlargement surgery (implants)
Having a breast enlargement is a big decision as it involves major surgery and there are some risks attached.
The NHS explains what is involved with the procedure: “During the operation, implants are inserted into your breasts to increase their size, change their shape, or make them more even.
“The operation involves making a cut (incision) in the skin next to or below the breast, positioning the implant either between your breast tissue and chest muscle, or behind your chest muscle, and sticking the incision and covering it with a dressing.”
Most people have to pay to have breast implants, but there are some circumstances where someone may be able to get the procedure on the NHS, for example if you have no breasts.
In the UK, breast implant surgery costs around £3,500 to £8000, and this doesn’t usually include the cost of consultations or follow-up care.
What problems can occur?
Like in Lucy’s case, breast implants can sometimes cause problems.
The health body lists the possible risks involved:
- Thick, obvious scarring
- The breast tissue feeling hard because scar tissue has shrunk around the implant (capsular contracture)
- A ruptured implant – this may cause small tender lumps (siliconomas), which are only noticable on breast scans; the implant will need to be removed
- Creases or folds in the implant
- The implant rotating within the breast, resulting in an abnormal shape
- Rippling of the implant – this happens when the implant is only covered by a thin layer of tissue, which sticks to the surface of the implant and is very difficult to treat
- Nerve problems in the nipples – they may become more sensitive, less sensitive, or completely numb; this can be temporary or permanent
- Not being able to breastfeed or producing slightly less breast milk than you would without implants – your baby will not be harmed if you breastfeed with implants
There’s also small risk of bleeding, infection, an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic happening, or a blood clot forming in the deep veins.
It’s important not to rush into a decision to have breast enlargement surgery, advises Bupa, and you need to think about what you’re going to gain, the limitations of the procedure and the risks involved.
The health organisation adds: “It’s also important to do your research into finding a suitable surgeon. Your GP may be able to refer you to a reputable surgeon or give you advice on how to find one.”
Another Emmerdale star who’s been open about her health in the past is Claire King.
