An eye-catching website is grabbing headlines and attention nearly a decade after its inception. MyFreeImplants.com allows women who are “flat-chested and flat-broke” to get the bigger breasts they have always wanted, without the expensive price tag. But, some critics says there could be risks and dangers in letting virtual donors pay for breast implants.
By: Dawn Tongish
ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com
Website That Pitches “Free” Boob Jobs Going Strong, Critics say Beware
One glance at MyFreeImplants.com and it is clear that this is no ordinary website touting breast augmentation procedures. The pictured women are scantily clad, vying for men’s attention. With names like, “Lacey Lux” and “Godiva Princess”, the women are hoping to turn bucks into breasts. It is easy to understand why. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons breast augmentation was the number one cosmetic surgery in the country in 2011. There were more than 300,000 women who received the procedure. That is more than a 45% increase over the last decade.
Financing cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation can be difficult if not impossible for some patients. Supporters of MFI claim this social funding site allows a patient to receive the surgery of her dreams, which may otherwise be unattainable. On the site, women interact with virtual donors through chats, pictures, video chats, etc. Donors then bankroll the enhancement procedures.
Would you let a man pay for your Breasts?
The concept was reportedly hatched at a Las Vegas bachelor party in 2005 and has been going strong every since. During interviews, the creators of MFI have expressed pride over the business model that they say has helped fund breast implants for women around the world. Not everyone, however, is ready to give the plan a thumbs up.
“I think consumers better beware,” Dr. Caroline Glicksman, a New Jersey plastic surgeon said. Glicksman performs hundreds of breast augmentations each year.
“This is surprising,” Glicksman said, who admittedly had never seen the website before. Dr. Glicksman thinks it could be younger, vulnerable women lured to MFI because of the price tag. “I hope nobody’s daughter goes for this. That is what I am afraid of. It concerns me that younger women may not have the finances to get a better, safer procedure.”
Beyond safety, critics see an issue with privacy. Women are encouraged to use an alias and never list phone numbers. At the same time, the women post pictures and are told to get to know people to pump up benefactor donations. MFI creators say they are doing a service for women who otherwise may not be able to achieve the new look.
How Does MyFreeImplants Work?
It seems fairly simple. Women seeking breast implants can sign up at MFI, create a profile and begin to interact with virtual benefactors to try and win/earn donations for their breast augmentation. Once the woman has enough donations for the implant surgery, she can schedule with a doctor. The funds are then transferred.
Raising Questions
The website does list surgeons connected to MFI. The Plastic Surgery Channel contacted one of those, Dr. Ted Eisenberg in Philadelphia. Eisenberg’s staff said he has only performed a few breast augmentations. He did not respond to a request for more information. The website also lists Dr. William P. Adams Jr., the founder of The Plastic Surgery Channel. Dr. Adams has never given consent to be listed on MFI and has never formed any augmentation on behalf of women connected to the site.
Satisfied Clients
MyFreeImplants.com does list satisfied women, who claim they were “flat-broke and flat-chested” and the site helped them pay for implants. There are comments from women who appear to be happy about finally having bigger breasts. One woman said, “I now have my girls.” Still, experts advise free may not be the best investment when you are talking about your body.