Advances in Breast Enhancement Technology

Early history
The first recorded instance of a breast implant was in 1895 when an Austrian surgeon used a benign lipoma to correct the asymmetry caused by the removal of a tumor in his patient’s breast. Between then and 1962, when a Texas housewife received the first silicone breast implant, physicians used a wide variety of materials to attempt breast implants. Everything from glass balls and shredded rubber to foam sponges and ox cartilage were used, often with disastrous results.

The first silicone implants
From the 1960′s to the 1980 over a million women underwent breast enhancement using silicone breast implants. However, reports of complications ranging from ruptured implants to inflammatory nodules in the breast and armpit area began to surface more and more frequently. Some women experienced capsular contracture where the body attempts to encapsulate the implant to separate itself from the foreign object. This causes extreme pain and distortion of the breast. In 1982 silicone breast implants were withdrawn after the FDA proposes to classify them as Class III medical devices requiring manufacturers to prove their safety and effectiveness.

The modern era
In 1992, the moratorium on silicone breast implants is lifted; however, they are not available to the general public. They are only to be used for those women undergoing breast reconstruction. Between 1995 and 1999 Soybean oil filled breast implants were available primarily in the United Kingdom. Concerns over their safety led to these implants being recalled in 1999. In 2000 the FDA approved the use of saline beast implants in women 18 years and older. These implants require a smaller incision than silicone based implants since they can by inserted and then filled with saline to the desired size.

Alternatives to implants
In 2001 a bra-like device that works on the principle of tension induced growth was introduced. The system requires women to wear a sports bra-like device that applies suction to the breasts. The device has to be worn at least ten hours a day for twelve weeks. It is not FDA reviewed since it is not considered a medical device and there have been mixed reviews from women who have tried the product. Other available alternatives include breast enhancing creams, pills, and even chewing gum.

The future
In 2006 the FDA approved silicone breast implants again. After years of study and review the new implants use a semi-solid silicone gel that is less likely to leak. In addition, the FDA established a minimum age of 22 for women receiving silicone implants. The latest innovation in breast enhancement is stem cell augmentation. The patient’s own fat is removed, usually via liposuction. Stem cells from this fat are then enriched and placed back into the fat which is injected into the breasts. Currently there are no studies to determine long term complications or effectiveness of this procedure.