KUALA LUMPUR: A woman's initial joy of getting silicone injections to have bigger breasts eventually turned into a nightmare when she had to eventually have her breasts surgically removed.
The victim, who only wanted to be known as Chan, 48, said that 20 years ago, she decided to get silicone injections to increase her cup size.
She said it all began with a casual visit to a unlicensed beautician for a facial.
"However, the beautician also recommended that I do silicone injections to enlarge my breasts. The beautician said it would only cost RM5,000 for the procedure, and I agreed," she said.
However, five years after the procedure, Chan, who is a sales consultant, began finding lumps in her breasts. She also started to experience intense pain.
"The pain was excruciating, to the point I couldn't even sleep. Unable to stand it any longer, in 2022 I went to a private hospital for a mammogram and ultrasound on my breasts but they didn't find anything unusual.
"Finally, I underwent an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. That was when the doctors told me that the lumps in my breast were caused by the silicon," she said.
Chan then sought advice from two plastic surgeons from the same hospital. They advised her to have her breasts surgically removed, failing which she would be in excruciating pain for the rest of her life.
"A friend of mine suggested that I go to Vietnam to have the silicone removed from my breasts, which I did in January. It cost me RM25,000.
"I'm relieved that the surgery went smoothly. Even though I've lost both my breasts, I'm still alive.
"It's also why I've mustered up the courage to share my story with others," she said.
Chan was speaking to reporters at a press conference held at the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department office in Wisma MCA today.
Also present were department chief Datuk Seri Michael Chong and its legal advisor James Ee.
Chong said any procedures carried out by unlicensed practitioners will come with risks.
"We have seen many cases of women being duped by beauty treatment ads, including for silicon injections, which would eventually cost them their health.
"Those who wish to undergo any beauty procedures or surgeries should seek out proper licensed practitioners for the sake of their own safety," he said.