Breast implants, a topic that has intrigued and fascinated many, have a long and storied history. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into when breast implants were first used, how they’ve evolved over the years, and the impact they’ve had on the world of plastic surgery.
Early Beginnings: The Search for Enhancement
The desire to enhance the size and shape of the breasts is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, women have sought ways to achieve a more curvaceous figure. In ancient times, women used various methods, such as padding their clothing with materials like cotton or wool, to create the illusion of larger breasts. However, these were only temporary solutions and did not involve any surgical intervention.
The first attempts at surgical breast augmentation can be traced back to the late 19th century. In 1895, German surgeon Vincenz Czerny performed what is considered one of the earliest breast augmentation procedures. He used a lipoma, a benign fatty tumor, from a patient’s back to increase the size of her breast. This was a groundbreaking moment as it marked the first time a tissue transfer was used to enhance breast volume.
The Rise of Synthetic Materials
While Czerny’s procedure was a step forward, it had limitations. The use of a patient’s own tissue was not always practical, and there was a need for a more consistent and reliable method of breast augmentation. This led to the exploration of synthetic materials.
In the early 20th century, various substances were experimented with for use in breast implants. Paraffin wax was one of the first synthetic materials to be used. In 1904, Japanese surgeon Mikamo introduced paraffin injections into the breast tissue as a way to increase volume. However, this method soon proved to be dangerous. The paraffin would often migrate through the body, causing lumps, infections, and other serious complications. Many women who underwent paraffin injections suffered long – term health problems, and the procedure was eventually abandoned.
Another material that was tried was ivory. Surgeons would carve ivory implants into the shape of breasts and insert them. But ivory was hard, heavy, and not well – tolerated by the body. It also had a high risk of causing infections and rejection.
The Introduction of Silicone
The real turning point in the history of breast implants came with the introduction of silicone. In the 1940s, the Dow Corning Corporation began developing silicone as a material for medical use. In 1962, Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow, two American plastic surgeons, implanted the first silicone gel – filled breast implants. These implants consisted of a silicone rubber shell filled with silicone gel.
The silicone implants were a huge improvement over previous methods. They were soft, felt natural, and had a lower risk of complications compared to materials like paraffin or ivory. The procedure became increasingly popular, and by the 1970s, silicone breast implants were the most common type of breast augmentation used in the United States.
The Silicone Controversy
However, in the 1980s and 1990s, concerns began to arise about the safety of silicone breast implants. Some women reported a variety of health problems, including autoimmune diseases, connective tissue disorders, and breast cancer, which they believed were linked to their silicone implants. These reports led to a major controversy.
In 1992, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed a moratorium on the use of silicone gel – filled breast implants for cosmetic purposes. The FDA stated that there was not enough evidence to prove the long – term safety of these implants. This decision had a significant impact on the plastic surgery industry. Many women who had already had silicone implants were worried about their health, and the number of breast augmentation procedures decreased significantly.
Research and Reevaluation
In the aftermath of the FDA’s decision, extensive research was conducted to determine the safety of silicone breast implants. Multiple studies were carried out, both in the United States and around the world. These studies followed thousands of women with silicone implants over long periods of time.
The results of these studies eventually showed that there was no conclusive evidence linking silicone breast implants to the serious health problems that had been reported. While there were some risks associated with the implants, such as rupture, capsular contracture (where the scar tissue around the implant tightens), and local infections, these were not as severe as initially feared.
Based on this new research, the FDA began to reevaluate its stance on silicone breast implants. In 2006, the FDA approved the use of silicone gel – filled breast implants from two major manufacturers, Mentor and Allergan, for both breast augmentation and breast reconstruction in women over the age of 22.
The Development of Saline Implants
During the time when silicone implants were under scrutiny, saline – filled breast implants became more popular. Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water. They were introduced in the 1960s as an alternative to silicone gel implants.
Saline implants have some advantages. If the implant ruptures, the saline solution is harmless and is absorbed by the body. They are also generally less expensive than silicone gel implants. However, they also have some drawbacks. Saline implants can feel less natural than silicone gel implants, especially in women with very little natural breast tissue. They may also cause a rippling effect under the skin, which can be visible.
Modern Breast Implant Technology
Today, breast implant technology has continued to evolve. There are now different types of silicone gel implants available, including cohesive gel implants, also known as “gummy bear” implants. These implants have a more viscous silicone gel that holds its shape better. They are less likely to rupture and cause the gel to leak compared to traditional silicone gel implants.
There are also textured implants, which have a rough surface. The texture is designed to reduce the risk of capsular contracture by promoting better tissue integration. However, in recent years, there have been concerns about a rare but serious type of cancer called breast implant – associated anaplastic large – cell lymphoma (BIA – ALCL) that has been linked to textured implants. As a result, some manufacturers have stopped producing textured implants, and the FDA has issued warnings about their use.
In addition to these advancements, there are also new techniques for implant placement. Surgeons can now place implants either above or below the pectoral muscle, depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals. Submuscular implant placement (below the muscle) is often preferred as it can provide a more natural look and feel, and may also reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
The Global Impact of Breast Implants
Breast implants have had a significant impact on the global plastic surgery market. In the United States, breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020, over 313,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed.
Around the world, the demand for breast implants is also high. In countries like Brazil, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure. The availability of different types of implants and the increasing acceptance of cosmetic surgery have contributed to this global trend.
For many women, breast implants have provided a way to enhance their self – confidence and body image. Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons, such as achieving a more proportionate figure, or for reconstructive purposes after breast cancer surgery or other trauma, breast implants have become an important option in the field of plastic surgery.
Conclusion
The history of breast implants is a fascinating journey that has seen many highs and lows. From the early attempts with materials like paraffin and ivory to the modern silicone and saline implants, the technology has come a long way. While there have been controversies and challenges along the way, extensive research has helped to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these implants.
Today, women have more options than ever when it comes to breast augmentation. The continuous evolution of breast implant technology, combined with the expertise of plastic surgeons, means that women can make informed decisions about their bodies and achieve the results they desire. As we look to the future, it’s likely that we’ll see even more advancements in breast implant technology, further improving the safety and quality of these procedures.
Related topics:
4 Main Textured Breast Implants: Pros & Cons
All You Need To Know About What Are Sientra Breast Implants
5 Foods That Will Help You Recover After Breast Implants Come Out
