History and Evolution of Breast Augmentation Surgery

Interestingly, breast implants have been around since the late 1950s.  However, as the surgery became more acceptable in the early 1960s, different materials made from plastic foam were used.  Unfortunately, problems arose as air within the implants would collapse, resulting in the implant becoming tight and uncomfortable.  While the concept of breast augmentation was a good one, doctors knew they needed a better material with which to use.

Over the years, various breast implants were developed in various styles, sizes, and materials.  Soon, the standard implant was made from rubber, which came in different styles such as coated barrier, smooth, textured, single, double, or covered using foam made from polyurethane.  Eventually, a dual lumen implant was developed, which were balloons that were filled with silicone within one housing unit and saline in the other unit. 

With the evolution of this cosmetic surgery, we saw three specific generations of implants to include:

·        Generation One – First generation breast implants were made with a two-section elastomer filled with a silicone gel.  Initially, it was believed that the implant would need to be connected to tissue to keep it in place.  To prevent scarring, patches were used but these often caused tightening that was uncomfortable.  By the early part of 1970, it was determined the patch to be unnecessary.

·        Generation Two – With time, the thickness of the shell and consistency of the silicone were changed.  As a result, the shells were not as thick and the gel suppler.  While the appearance was much more natural, there was also an increase in breakage.

·        Generation Three – Breast augmentation surgery was being done in the late 1980s using yet another implant design, one that was stronger and less likely to break.  The major change was the gel inside being cohesive, meaning if the implant sac or shell were to break, the gel would not leak out.

Women now have the choice of silicone or saline breast implants, both with advantages and disadvantages.  The evolution of implants has been so successful that the number of women choosing breast enhancement surgery is skyrocketing.  Although there are many women and surgeons who still prefer saline, with the new FDA approved gel implant, studies now show that as much as 85 percent of plastic surgeons prefer this choice.  The result is a natural looking and feeling breast with little chance of damage. In fact, breast augmentation is so popular, it is estimated that more than 4 million women in the United States have undergone breast augmentation surgery, a type of cosmetic surgery that is now safe and successful.