134: Saving with Steve with Steve Sexton & guest Cosmetic Surgery with Dr. Jonathan Kanevsky134: Saving with Steve with Steve Sexton & guest Cosmetic Surgery with Dr. Jonathan Kanevsky
UK Health Radio Podcast
Steve Sexton talks with plastic surgeon Dr Jonathan Kanevsky about the risks of breast implants, the rise of breast implant illness, and natural reconstruction using fat. The conversation also looks at social media’s impact on body image and how to foster healthier confidence, especially in young women.
44:58•20 Jun 2026
Breast Implants, Body Image and Safer Cosmetic Choices with Dr Jonathan Kanevsky
Episode Overview
- Breast implants can be linked to cancer, painful capsular contracture and autoimmune‑like symptoms grouped as breast implant illness.
- Symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, rashes and joint pain may be related to implants, but other medical causes should be ruled out first.
- Many women report significant symptom improvement after implant and capsule removal, though extra lifestyle and recovery steps may still be needed.
- Using a patient’s own fat can offer a more natural alternative to implants when done with careful technique to improve safety and fat survival.
- Constant social media comparison fuels feelings of “not being enough”, so building self-worth through sport, learning, service and supportive relationships is vital.
“I think breast implants are not safe and have created what is probably the evidence of the largest medical gaslighting that's happened in the medical industry.”
What drives someone to seek a life without chasing a “perfect” body? This conversation on UK Health Radio’s *Saving with Steve* takes a hard look at cosmetic surgery, breast implants, and what real health-focused reconstruction can look like. Host Steve Sexton chats with Los Angeles plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Jonathan Kanevsky, who explains why so many women now believe their breast implants are making them unwell.
He outlines three main issues: a rare cancer linked to certain implants, painful capsular contracture where breasts can feel “like softballs”, and a cluster of symptoms labelled breast implant illness – fatigue, hair loss, joint pain, rashes and more.
As he bluntly puts it, “I think breast implants are not safe and have created… the largest medical gaslighting that’s happened in the medical industry.” You’ll hear how women’s concerns were dismissed for years, why there’s still no definitive test for breast implant illness, and which warning signs might warrant a serious chat with a doctor.
Dr Kanevsky also shares what some patients do after implant removal to support recovery, from anti‑inflammatory diet changes to sauna and red light therapy, while stressing that evidence is still emerging. The episode doesn’t stop at surgery. There’s a frank discussion about TikTok, filters and the constant comparison culture that leaves many teenage girls saying they “don’t feel enough”. Dr Kanevsky talks about building self-worth through sport, service, learning and supportive friendships – not just appearance.
For those considering augmentation, he explains how using your own fat can reshape the breast without implants, and why technique matters for safety and lasting results. If you or someone you care about has implants, is thinking about cosmetic surgery, or is raising daughters in a looks‑obsessed culture, this chat might prompt some very important questions – what does healthy confidence actually look like for you?
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