Breast implants are a common cosmetic surgery procedure that involves the insertion of implants to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. While breast implants are now a well-known and widely accepted procedure, their history is relatively recent. In this article, we will explore the history of breast implants and how they have evolved over time.
The Early History of Breast Implants
The concept of breast augmentation can be traced back to the early 19th century, when surgeons attempted to use various materials to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. These early attempts involved injecting paraffin, fat, and other substances into the breasts, but these procedures were often unsuccessful and resulted in complications such as infections and deformities.
In the early 20th century, surgeons began to develop more sophisticated techniques for breast augmentation. In the 1920s, surgeons in Japan developed a technique for using autologous tissue to augment the breasts, while in the United States, surgeons experimented with using animal cartilage and other materials to create breast implants.
The Emergence of Silicone Breast Implants
The modern era of breast implants began in the 1960s, when silicone breast implants were first developed. The first silicone breast implants were developed by two plastic surgeons, Frank Gerow and Thomas Cronin, who were looking for a way to enhance the size and shape of the breasts.
The first silicone breast implants were made of a silicone shell filled with silicone gel. These implants were designed to be safe and long-lasting, and they quickly became popular among women who wanted to enhance the size and shape of their breasts.
However, concerns about the safety of silicone breast implants emerged in the 1980s, when some women reported experiencing health problems such as autoimmune diseases and connective tissue disorders. As a result, the use of silicone breast implants was restricted in the United States in 1992.
The Rise of Saline Breast Implants
In response to concerns about the safety of silicone breast implants, saline breast implants emerged as an alternative in the 1990s. Saline breast implants are made of a silicone shell filled with sterile saline solution, which is similar to the fluid found in the body.
Saline breast implants are considered to be safer than silicone breast implants, as they do not pose the same risk of silicone leakage or rupture. However, they are also considered to be less natural-looking than silicone breast implants, as they tend to have a firmer feel and a more visible rippling effect.
The Development of Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants
In recent years, a new type of silicone breast implant has emerged, known as cohesive silicone gel implants. These implants are made of a thicker, more cohesive silicone gel that is designed to stay in place and maintain its shape over time.
Cohesive silicone gel implants are considered to be safer than earlier versions of silicone breast implants, as they are less likely to leak or rupture. They are also considered to be more natural-looking than saline breast implants, as they have a softer feel and a more natural shape.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breast implants have a relatively short but fascinating history that has been marked by innovation and controversy. While early attempts at breast augmentation were often unsuccessful and even dangerous, modern breast implants are considered to be safe and effective, and they have become a popular cosmetic surgery procedure for women around the world.
From the early experiments with autologous tissue to the development of silicone breast implants and the emergence of saline and cohesive silicone gel implants, breast augmentation has come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see even more innovative and safe options for breast augmentation in the future.
FAQs
1. When did people start getting implants?
The history of implants dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when surgeons experimented with various materials to augment body parts. However, modern breast augmentation using silicone or saline implants became more prevalent in the mid-20th century.
2. Who was the first person to get implants?
The first recorded instance of breast augmentation surgery occurred in 1895 when German surgeon Vincent Czerny performed a breast reconstruction using a patient’s own adipose tissue from her back. However, the first documented use of silicone breast implants for cosmetic purposes is credited to American plastic surgeons Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow in 1962.
3. When were the first breast implants invented?
The first silicone breast implants were invented in 1961 by Dow Corning, a collaboration between plastic surgeon Thomas Cronin and Dow Corning Corporation.
4. Did breast implants exist in the 50s?
While the concept of breast augmentation existed, modern silicone or saline breast implants as we know them today were not available until the early 1960s. The 1950s saw limited experimentation with various materials for breast augmentation, including polyvinyl sponges and glass balls, but these methods were largely ineffective and fell out of use due to safety concerns.
