Breast augmentation and breast implants evolution

Abstract

The female breast is a universal symbol of sexuality, motherhood and femininity today, dating back even to the time of ancient cave paintings. Historically, women have long sought breast enlargement to improve physical proportions, to foster a more feminine appearance, or to enhance self-image. When compared to the aesthetic norm, inadequate breast volume may lead to a negative body image, feelings of inadequacy, and low self-esteem. These disturbances may adversely affect a patient's interpersonal relationships, sexual fulfillment, and quality of life. Since its introduction in 1962, modern breast augmentation with implants has become one of the most common aesthetic procedures, receiving more media attention than any other. It remains an increasingly popular surgical intervention today where the idealised female physique has morphed from the curvaceous Rubens type to one increasingly thin and androgynous, but with prominent breasts. The popularity of the procedure is thought to be based on the satisfaction of the patients' results. Breast enlargement and reshaping with breast implants nowadays is a safe, well-accepted technique, which can be undertaken with ever-less frequent complications thanks to continued advances in both surgical technique and implant design. The purpose of the present article is to make a brief review of the history of breast augmentation as a surgical procedure and the evolution of breast implants.