1951-62
Sponges made from different materials were used for breast implants. Initial results were positive, however, within 1 year post-opt, the sponge breast implants became extremely firm and significant volume was lost.
1963
Silicone gel ‘natural feel’ breast implants revolutionized breast enhancement surgery.
1965
1965 Inflatable implants originated in France. Initial results were promising but most of these types of implants deflated over time – 76-88% rate over 3 years to be exact. Most surgeons abandoned inflatable implants by 1973.
1968
Textured breast implants were introduced to help keep implants in place.
1960s-1990s
1st, 2nd and 3rd generations of silicone implants fluctuated between thicker silicone gel and casings and thinner silicone gel and casings. The 2nd generation implants were thinner which resulted in more rupturing over time. By 1985, manufacturers began reverting back to thicker silicone gel and walls.
1992
The United States FDA call for a voluntary ban on the use of silicone in implants in light of possible immune response diseases. Before this ban, breast enhancement surgeries were 95% silicone and 5% saline.
2006
The FDA lifts the ban on silicone breast implants after numerous studies found no correlation to health problems and deemed them “safe and effective.” Since then, silicone breast implants have again become the choice of most women having breast augmentation surgery.
Present Day
Today there are hundreds of options for breast implants including size, shape, texture and feel. Dr. James Koehler can help you find the right breast enhancement to fit your goals.
