The Evolution of Breast Implants

Abstract

Breast augmentation remains one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures in the United States and worldwide. Throughout the last few decades, the implants used for this procedure have undergone significant advancements, which has allowed surgeons to provide safer and more aesthetically pleasing outcomes. This article discusses the history of breast implants since their invention in 1962. Particular emphasis is given to the evolution of silicone implants with its many challenges, which has resulted in the development of the currently used fourth- and fifth-generation devices. Knowledge of these advances will allow physicians to more critically evaluate their results, and also will encourage them to provide more up-to-date scientific data on these devices to further improve the clinical outcomes of their patients.

Ultrastructural features of the double capsulated connective tissue around silicone prostheses

“…Although the textured silicone implants are frequently used in breast reconstructive surgery, their dislocation from the original site often takes place. Moreover, the macrotextured silicone implants are correlated with the formation of a double capsule around the prosthesis, a known phenomenon well described in literature (Atlan, Nuti, Wang, Decker, & Perry, 2018; Efanov et al, 2017; Kaoutzanis, Winocour, Unger, Gabriel, & Maxwell, 2019; Shin et al, 2018). The technical performance of textured silicone implants was recently investigated using SEM and X‐ray CT imaging (Atlan et al, 2018).…”

Advances in Biomaterials for Breast Reconstruction

“…Silicone is a mixture of semi-inorganic polymeric molecules composed of different length chains of polydimethylsiloxane monomers [30]. The property of the silicone can be varied by the polymer chain length and degree of crosslinking between polymer chains [58]. For example, in liquid silicone the length of the polymer chain is shorter on average, and the degree of crosslinking is minimal.…”

Pharmacological Approaches for the Prevention of Breast Implant Capsular Contracture

“…Since the development and introduction of modern prosthetic breast implants in the 1960s, millions of women have undergone breast implant surgery to either adjust or enhance the breast shape and appearance (cosmetic surgery) or to restore function and normal appearance to the breasts following prophylactic or curative mastectomy due to risk or diagnosis of breast cancer (reconstructive surgery). The rising global incidence of breast cancer, [1][2][3] continued interest in breast augmentation procedures, 4 and various advancements in implant technologies [5][6][7][8] will likely drive increased future demand for breast implants. According to a global survey conducted by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, w1.8 million surgical procedures for breast augmentation (16% of all procedures conducted by plastic surgeons) were performed globally in 2019, a decrease of 3.6% over the previous year but a 21% increase over 2015.…”