The Evolution of the Breast Implant

In 1895, Dr. Vincenz Czerny performed what is considered to be the earliest chest enhancement. The surgery used emplacement autologous adipose tissue from the patient. Since that time, this procedure has evolved into the second most popular plastic surgery procedure in the world.

1st-Generation Silicone Implants

The first manufactured silicone breast implants, which were made from seamed rubber shells filled with silicone gel, were created by researchers at Dow Corning in 1961. They held a teardrop shape and were attached to living breast tissue to keep them in place. However, many of the women who received these implants complained that they were too firm and caused capsular contractures, or scar tissue that causes the breasts to harden.

2nd-Generation Silicone Implants

In the 1970s, researchers sought to improve the design of the silicone breast implant by thinning out the shell and injecting more liquid silicone into the encasement. Though they were successful in creating a softer implant, the new design ultimately failed at reducing the number of capsular contracture in users. In fact, further complications arose because the new design was susceptible to ruptures that lead to silicone leaks.

3rd-Generation Silicone Implants

Scientists retooled the implant shells to be thicker in order to prevent ruptures that occurred due to natural wear and tear. Unfortunately, these new models did not adhere to FDA standards, and silicone breast implants were banned from the United States for 14 years, though they were still approved for use in reconstruction and revision patients.

Modern Implants

Shortly after breast implants were found to have no link to disease, they were reapproved by the FDA. Researchers were able to improve upon previous designs to construct what is known as a “Gummy Bear” implant. The main difference between this model and the ones that came before it is that it is “form-stable,” meaning that the implant can keep its firm form while still being soft to touch.

With all of the amazing innovations that have taken place in the history of breast implants, it’s interesting to see how far they have come from their initial form over a century ago. If you would like to learn more about modern breast implant surgery, Dr. Franckle will be happy to meet with you for a free consultation.