History of Breast Implants

10 Aug History of Breast Implants

A Look into the Evolution of Breast Implants

From the earliest attempts to change a women’s busts to the latest innovations in materials and techniques, this blog will offer insights into the motivations, trends, and developments that have shaped the Breast Augmentation industry. Long before the invention of modern breast implants, women sought ways to alter the appearance of their busts. Throughout history, various methods have been employed to create the illusion of fuller breasts or to alter their shape. In this blog we will discuss breast implants history.

Dr. Guy Watts is an experienced plastic surgeon based in Perth, Australia. Dr. Watts ensures that each patient receives the highest level of care throughout their surgical journey. His dedication to providing a comfortable experience and desired results, combined with his surgical skills, has made Dr. Guy Watts a sought-after plastic surgeon in Perth for patients seeking optimal Breast Surgery outcomes.

Breast Implants History– The Early Days

External Padding

Historical accounts reveal that women in various cultures used external padding or clothing to create the illusion of fuller breasts. In ancient Egypt, women wore tight bands of cloth wrapped around their chests to lift and shape their breasts. Similarly, during the Victorian era, corsets were used to create an hourglass figure, pushing the breasts upward and emphasising cleavage. Even in the early 20th century, bras with built-in padding or “falsies” helped women achieve a more voluptuous look without undergoing any invasive procedures.

Paraffin Injections

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women seeking a solution to alter their breasts turned to paraffin injections. This method involved injecting liquid paraffin directly into the breast tissue to increase its size. While some women experienced satisfactory results, many others faced serious complications, including infections, lumps, and tissue necrosis. The risks associated with paraffin injections eventually led to its discontinuation as a Breast Augmentation method.

Despite these early attempts of augmenting the breasts, the invention of modern breast implants would not occur until the 1960’s. The development of silicone and saline implants revolutionised the field of cosmetic surgery, offering safer and more effective options for women seeking to modify their appearance.

The Birth of Modern Breast Implants: Silicone and Saline

The 1960’s marked a turning point in the field of Breast Augmentation with the development of modern breast implants. This era saw the birth of two major implant types: silicone and saline.

Silicone Implants

Silicone breast implants were invented by plastic surgeons Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow in 1961. The first prototype featured a silicone rubber shell filled with silicone gel, which closely resembled the consistency of human breast tissue. This new invention quickly gained attention and popularity, as it offered a more realistic look and feel compared to previous breast augmentation methods.

Saline Implants

In the late 1960’s, saline breast implants emerged as an alternative to silicone. These implants featured a silicone rubber shell filled with sterile saline solution. Saline implants gained popularity due to their adjustable size and the fact that, in case of rupture, the saline solution would be safely absorbed by the body. However, saline implants tend to feel less natural than their silicone counterparts and are more prone to visible rippling under the skin.

The invention of silicone and saline breast implants revolutionised the field of Breast Augmentation, providing women with safer and more effective options for achieving their desired appearance. These modern implants paved the way for further advancements in materials and surgical techniques, continuously improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.

The Use of Cohesive Gel Implants

In the ongoing pursuit of improved safety and performance, the latest advancement in breast implant technology emerged in the form of cohesive gel implants, also known as “gummy bear” implants.

The introduction of cohesive gel implants marks a significant milestone in the evolution of breast implant technology. Offering improved safety, shape retention, and a natural feel, these “gummy bear” implants have become a popular choice for women seeking to change the appearance of their breast through Breast Augmentation.

Cohesive gel implants offer several advantages over traditional silicone and saline implants, making them an increasingly popular choice for Breast Augmentation:

• Reduced risk of rupture: The highly cohesive gel material is less prone to rupture and leakage compared to traditional silicone implants. In the event of a shell breach, the gel maintains its shape and does not easily migrate to surrounding tissues
• Improved shape retention: Due to their stable structure, cohesive gel implants are less likely to fold or ripple, maintaining a more uniform appearance over time. This also reduces the likelihood of visible implant edges or irregularities under the skin
• Natural feel: While still composed of silicone, the consistency of cohesive gel implants more closely resembles natural breast tissue, providing a more realistic feel than traditional silicone or saline implants

Advances in Surgical Techniques

Advances in surgical techniques have progressed in parallel with the evolution of breast implant technology. As breast implants have undergone significant transformations over the years, from silicone and saline to cohesive gel and anatomically shaped implants, surgical approaches have also adapted to these changes.

The ongoing evolution of surgical techniques in Breast Augmentation reflects the field’s commitment to enhancing patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further refinements and innovations that will improve surgical outcomes and make Breast Augmentation an even more appealing option for women seeking to alter their appearance.

Breast Implants Surgery with Dr. Guy Watts

Dr. Guy Watts has completed hundreds of breast implant surgeries and consistent results across multiple groups of patients with an inframammary incision, with dual placement approach and internal bra suture technique.

This allows patients to return to any physical activity while maintaining the most support and long term outcomes for the breast that can be achieved.

Implants are soaked in a betadine and antibiotic solution before being inserted into the breasts to avoid infection. Dr. Watts doesn’t use drains in primary Breast Augmentation or Augmentation Mastopexy.

Dr. Watts strongly believes that the primary way to reduce complications for Breast Augmentation patients is to choose the ideal breast implant for each patient. It is a complex process requiring a detailed discussion, precise measurements and a tailored implant trial. Dr. Watts focuses on respecting the breast dimensions and breast foot plate. Stepping outside those boundaries increases the risk for short- and long-term complications.

Having an experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Guy Watts to perform your procedure may significantly reduce the risks associated with Breast Implant surgery.

FAQs about Breast Implants

What is BIA-ALCL?

• Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that has been found in association with only textured breast implants. It is not breast cancer but rather a cancer of the immune system.
• BIA-ALCL typically forms in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. The exact cause of BIA-ALCL is still not fully understood, but it is believed that certain factors, such as the implant’s texture and the body’s immune response, may contribute to its development.

Do breast implants cause cancer?

• Breast implants themselves do not cause breast cancer. However, as mentioned above, there is a rare association between breast implants and BIA-ALCL. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your surgeon and to be aware of the potential risks and complications related to Breast Augmentation.

What happens during a consultation for Breast Augmentation?

• During a Breast Augmentation consultation, you will discuss your goals and expectations with your plastic surgeon.
• The surgeon will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and evaluate the current state of your breasts. They will then recommend the most suitable implant type, size, and surgical technique based on your anatomy and desired outcome.
• The consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions or express concerns about the procedure, recovery, and potential risks.

What is the best breast implant?

• There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best breast implant depends on individual factors such as the patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and desired outcome.
• Both silicone and saline implants have their advantages and disadvantages, and cohesive gel (“gummy bear”) implants have become increasingly popular due to their shape retention and natural feel.
• It is essential to discuss your options with your plastic surgeon.

Is fat transfer better than breast implants?

• Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation, also known as Autologous Fat Grafting, is an alternative to traditional breast implants. This procedure involves harvesting fat from other areas of the patient’s body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and injecting it into the breasts to achieve a more natural look and feel. Fat transfer has its advantages, including the use of the patient’s own tissue, a reduced risk of complications, and no visible scarring on the breasts. However, the results are typically more subtle than those achieved with breast implants, and not all patients have enough donor fat available for transfer.

Further Reading about Breast Surgery with Dr. Guy Watts

• Read Dr Guy Watts’ Breast Augmentation Surgery Page
• Read Dr Guy Watts’ Breast Reduction Surgery Page
• Read Dr Guy Watts’ Breast Lift Surgery Page
• Read Dr Guy Watts’ Blog What Causes Sagging Breasts

Medical References about Breast Procedures

• Breast Implants: Silicone Vs. Saline, Cost, Problems, Recovery – WebMD
• Complications in Breast Augmentation with textured versus smooth breast implants: a systematic review protocol – NCBI
• What you need to know about Breast Augmentation – Medical News today
• Preoperative sizing in Breast Augmentation – NCBI