| Breast surgery has a long history, beginning all the way | | | | The outer shells changed over time and at one point |
| back in 1895. An Austrian surgeon, Vincenz Czerny, | | | | both silicone and saline solutions were combined, but |
| was the first to attempt augmentation after being | | | | even with the gradual improvements, risks and |
| successful at creating various other new surgical | | | | complications still run rampant. |
| breakthroughs. | | | | By the 80's, silicone became the implant of choice for |
| It wasn't for purely aesthetical purposes, however, this | | | | many women seeking breast surgery; however, FDA |
| first breast enhancement was performed in order to | | | | concerns over leaks and cancer caused them to be |
| remove a skin growth from one part of the body and | | | | banned for cosmetic reasons. Up until very recently, |
| transfer it to other that had been previously damaged | | | | only women who were having reconstruction could |
| and imbalanced due to a former tumor. | | | | have permission to receive silicone. |
| It wasn't until 1889 when the first attempt at surgical | | | | After years of study, the FDA concluded that the |
| enhancement for purely aesthetic purposes was | | | | general public could once again have access to silicone |
| attempted. The first "implant" was created by paraffin, | | | | implants for purely cosmetic reasons; although there |
| or wax, injections into the breast, with quite | | | | are still certain restrictions and precaution is strongly |
| unsuccessful results. | | | | advised for early detection of leaks and ruptures. |
| The next attempts at surgery included experimenting | | | | The most recent advancement in technology has |
| with a variety of materials to form implants, including | | | | been the advent of the gummy bear implant. Although |
| solid substances such as glass, rubber, and even ivory. | | | | still not widely available in the United States, many |
| Softer substances were also tried which included | | | | plastic surgeons believe that the gummy bear will be a |
| fabrics like foam sponge and wool. | | | | much safer implant choice as well as provide the most |
| In 1945, procedure finally made some significant | | | | natural results. |
| progress. Surgeons used a form of flap procedure to | | | | There are quite a few other countries that already use |
| reposition tissue so the breasts would gain some | | | | this implant regularly. Rather than being a sac filled with |
| volume; however, surgery still was a far cry from | | | | liquid silicone, the gummy bear is formed of entirely |
| today's procedures. | | | | solid silicone, giving it the "gummy"-like consistency of |
| In the 60's more experimentation was done with | | | | its name. |
| implants, this time, silicon was injected directly into the | | | | Breast surgery has had a long, troubled history, but is |
| tissue. Breasts hardened or became inflamed by the | | | | now a very successful and largely safe procedure |
| body attacking the foreign substance. | | | | that will continue to improve greatly with new |
| Many women underwent this procedure, which often | | | | techniques, knowledge and technology. If you are |
| resulted in mastectomy, or painful treatments for | | | | considering any form of procedure, contact a qualified |
| decades later. Shortly thereafter silicone implants that | | | | and board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation |
| resemble modern forms were introduced. | | | | and to discuss possible options available to you. |