The History & Science Behind Breast Implants

(Photo : philippe spitalier on Unsplash)

Breast augmentation has been a subject of scientific exploration and fascination for centuries. 

The desire for fuller, more shapely breasts has led to the advancement of various techniques and materials, resulting in the creation of modern breast implants. 

The captivating journey of breast implants includes early experiments, medical breakthroughs, safety concerns, and ongoing advancements in history and science. 

We will explore the fascinating history of silicone breast implants, including advancements in surgical techniques, the development of new implant materials, ongoing research and innovation, and efforts to address safety concerns. 

Exploring the rich tapestry of the history and science behind breast implants can provide us with a greater appreciation for the advancements made in this field and the positive impact they have had on countless individuals.

Early Progress

Breast augmentation is centuries-old. Before contemporary breast implants, pioneers tried various materials and methods to enhance breast size and form. Early innovations paved the way for modern advances.

Breast augmentation began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Surgeons experimented with paraffin, ivory, and glass balls to enlarge breasts. To add volume, breast tissue was injected with paraffin. These approaches were risky and frequently complicated.

Early tests were plagued by the body's unexpected and harmful responses to alien elements. Paraffin injections caused infections, irritation, and hard lumps. Ivory and glass balls risked infection, migration, and immune system rejection.

Besides material hazards, natural-looking outcomes were difficult. Early procedures sometimes produced malformations or odd shapes.

Despite their drawbacks, these early breast augmentation studies set the framework for future advances. They helped create safer, more refined breast augmentation procedures by revealing the problems and risks.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants revolutionized breast augmentation. They transformed the profession by looking and feeling more natural than experimental materials. 

Breast augmentation using silicone began in the early 1960s. Frank Gerow and Thomas Cronin created the first silicone breast implant with Dow Corning in 1962. Silicone envelopes containing silicone gel were the first design.

Due to its natural look and feel, silicone gel-filled implants became popular. Silicone implant producers improved design and safety as demand rose. Implant design improvements included textured surfaces to decrease capsular contracture (scar tissue formation around the implant) and varied forms and sizes to better fit body types.

Silicone breast implants were controversial and unsafe. Implant rupture, silicone leaking, and health issues in the 1980s and 1990s prompted legal action. Some women reported a range of symptoms, from pain and swelling to autoimmune problems.

This debate prompted substantial silicone implant safety studies. In 1992, the FDA banned silicone implants for aesthetic use, permitting them solely for breast reconstruction and other medical treatments. After extensive investigations failed to connect silicone implants to systemic disorders, the prohibition was relaxed under specific situations in 2006. However, continual observation and regulation monitor silicone implant safety and efficacy.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are another common breast augmentation option. This subtopic discusses saline implants' history, pros and cons, and function in breast augmentation.

Plastic surgeons first experimented with saline breast implants in the early 1960s. Saline implants are silicone shells filled with sterile salt water after surgery, unlike silicone implants, which are pre-filled with silicone gel.

Saline implants' filler material's safety is a major benefit. Saline is biocompatible and provides little danger if the implant leaks. Saline, unlike silicone gel, is harmlessly absorbed by the body, making implant concerns easier to identify.

Saline implants are adjustable. Surgeons may optimize symmetry and volume by filling the saline solution after the implant is put in the breast pocket. This flexibility is advantageous for patients with uneven breasts.

Since they are filled after insertion, saline implants need fewer incisions than silicone implants. This reduces scarring and recuperation time.

Saline implants have drawbacks. A less natural feel than silicone gel implants is a clear negative. Saline implants may feel harder than biological breast tissue. 

Incision Methods

When deciding on breast augmentation, the incision decision is critical. Incisions have evolved to meet patient choices, implant kinds, and surgical aims. Common incision methods:

• Inframammary Incision: This incision opens the breast pocket for implant insertion. It conceals scars, provides visibility, and exact implant location.

• Periareolar Incision: This incision is done at the bottom border of the areola, where dark skin changes to lighter skin. It permits precision implant insertion and direct breast pocket access. The areola color transition hides the scar.

• Transaxillary Incision: This armpit incision inserts the implant via a tunnel to the breast pocket. The distant incision means no breast scars with this method. Specialized instrumentation may restrict implant placement possibilities.

• Transumbilical Incision (TUBA): This incision inserts the implant via the belly button. It uses saline implants and needs specific training and equipment.

Safety and Regulation

Breast implant safety issues have been crucial to their development. These problems include rupture, leaking, capsular contracture, and health hazards.

• Rupture and Leakage - Breast implants rupture when their shells break. Saline implants absorb harmlessly. However, ruptured silicone gel-filled implants may leak silicone gel into neighboring tissues. 

• Capsular contracture - Scar tissue surrounding the implant hardens and changes its shape or location. Excessive capsular contracture may cause pain, deformity, and the need for further surgery.

• Health Risks and Systemic Symptoms - Breast implants and systemic symptoms have been studied. Breast implants may cause regional discomfort, edema, breast hardness, and systemic problems including autoimmune illnesses. However, significant regulatory and scientific study has not shown a causal relationship between breast implants and systemic disorders.

Final Words

Breast augmentation has evolved into a complex discipline combining medical knowledge, technical advances, and patient-centered results. Breast implants have progressed from early material trials to contemporary implant technologies.

Cohesive gel breast implants are more natural-looking and durable than liquid fillers. Polyurethane-coated implants provide patients with special needs more alternatives. Saline implants, a silicone implant substitute, can have benefits and drawbacks.

Incision, implant placement, and surgical procedures have also improved. These advances seek to improve breast augmentation accuracy, decrease scarring, and increase patient comfort.