55 Years of Breast Augmentation
2017 marks the 55th anniversary of modern breast augmentation, one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures currently available. To help patients better understand how safe and reliable this service has become over the years, we have created this timeline of how the procedure has evolved and matured to create beautiful, modern results.
At Lake County Plastic Surgery, we are dedicated to helping patients achieve their ideal body image in a safe and comfortable environment.
1890s-1960s: Before Modern Breast Implants
In 1889, a surgeon, Robert Gersuny, attempted to implant breasts with paraffin wax, but not without complications.
The earliest example of breast augmentation without significant side-effects comes from the surgeon Vincenz Czerny in 1895. Dr. Czerny implanted adipose tissue from woman’s thigh into her breast. While this procedure corrected the asymmetry of the patient’s breasts, other doctors of the time would continue to experiment with non-biocompatible materials.
1960s-1990s: Timmie Jean Lindsey and Silicone Implants
The mid-twentieth century marked a turning point in the development of augmentation. Patients of this time would often have sponges and other such materials implanted to change the shape and size of their breasts, but these materials were known for moving out of place.
In 1961, the first silicone breast implants were developed by Drs. Frank Gerow and Thomas Cronin. Timmie Jean Lindsey, a factory worker, was the first to undergo implantation of the silicone fillers.
1990s-2000s: The Rise of Saline Implants
Silicone implants gained a great deal of popularity in the ensuing decades, due in part to their use by well-known public figures. However, with their popularity, implants became increasingly scrutinized. With inconclusive evidence about the safety of silicone implants at the time, these prosthetics were all but eliminated from use.
It was at this point, in the early 1990’s, that saline implants gained prominence. These implants were preferred by many as they were softer and created no adverse health effects if they were damaged.
2000s-Now: Increased Safety and Popularity
Over a decade after their use had almost ended completely, enough clinical trials had been performed to show that modern silicone implants would not cause health issues. With the first two decades of the new millennium, breast augmentation procedures continue to become more comfortable for patients and provide increasingly natural results.
Whether saline or silicone implants are used, Lake County Plastic Surgery is equipped to provide patients with ideally sized and shaped breasts. We continue to strive for excellence and the total satisfaction of our patients. Contact us today to schedule your consultation for the latest in breast augmentation services.