History of Breast Implants - Introduction

The female breast has long been an object of both individual and societal interest. The breast represents a woman's femininity and sensuality. One does not have to look far in the media to recognize the relative value of the breast in female perception by society. These factors represent some of the underlying motives that have made surgery of the female breast, both aesthetic and reconstructive, an area of great interest and formidable challenge to plastic surgeons for decades. Arguably no device or single surgical procedure has altered the landscape of breast surgery as dramatically as prosthetic breast implants. Breast implants have been in use for over 40 years, yet the topic still produces heated debate and emotions. On the surface it seems odd that a device that has been in use for over 40 years is still fighting for FDA approval. This review will include 2 parts and will help to outline the past development of breast implants and their present and future status.

Silicone

The building block of the breast implant is based on silicone science and the biochemical principles are essential for developing implant technology.

Silicone refers to a group of polymers, based upon the element silicon. Sand (Silicon dioxide (Sio2)) is one of the most abundant compounds on earth. The polymer utilized medically is poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

Silicones were first widely utilized in the World War II era for industrial and military application. Medical applications for silicone were quickly identified and silicone products are commonplace within the medical industry today. Common silicone containing products include indwelling catheters, extended wear contact lenses, pacemakers, syringes, and pharmaceuticals. Silicone products include industrial and medical grade materials. Medical grade refers to material that is pure and consistent in composition. Silicone is classified as a medical device meaning that silicone does not achieve its primary intended purpose by chemical action or through its metabolism. Characteristics of silicone that are favorable for medical uses include thermal and oxidative stability; chemical and biological inertness; hydrophobic nature; and sterilization capability.

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