Dale Bozzio wishes she had never gotten breast implants.
That’s the advice the frontwoman of the influential ’80s band Missing Persons would now give her younger self.
In a conversation with Yahoo’s Suzy Byrne, the “Destination Unknown” singer and songwriter, 70, opens up about her regret and her diagnosis of severe capsular contracture , a painful condition caused by excessive scar tissue forming around the implants. Over time, Bozzio’s implants have become hard, misshapen and increasingly painful, leaving her in constant discomfort.
She’s awaiting surgery to remove the implants, a procedure made possible by a GoFundMe created by one of her sons, Troy McKenzie. The operation isn't covered by insurance, and Bozzio has been unable to perform, record or earn a living. Once the implants are out, she’ll have breast reconstruction surgery and a long recovery.
There have been complications along the way. For starters, the surgery has been delayed by a weeks-long bout with the flu. When Bozzio finally undergoes the procedure — hopefully in early 2026 — her doctor will also determine if she has breast cancer. That’s another reason driving the surgery, and a question that cannot be answered until the implants are removed.
Here, Bozzio, who was discovered by music legend Frank Zappa and later signed by Prince to his label, details in her own words the ordeal that has sidelined her, the financial strain she’s under and her fears for what lies ahead. The Life Is So Strange author also reflects on surrendering to a higher power — accepting that the outcome is beyond her control — and how overcoming past obstacles has given her the strength to navigate this trial.
I ignored the symptoms. I kept thinking, “I got a concert to play” or “I got a record to make.” I thought it would get better. I waited too long. I kept putting it off. I shouldn't have.
Now, they have to cut really deep and wide and take off the whole boob. It's all going to go.
The scar tissue around the implant has gone in different directions. It’s hardened, and all kinds of things have grown and developed in there.
