In the spring of 2012, the silicone breast implant turned 50 years old. It may be hard to believe, but the modern breast implants we know today have been around for five full decades. The attempt to surgically enhance a woman's bust line, however, is far older than that. Here are a few facts that put breast implants in perspective.
Fact #1: Breast Implants Were Not Always Made of Silicone
The first successful breast enlargement surgery may have been performed in the early 1960s, but it was by no means the first attempt. Doctors spent nearly a century trying to work out how to place foreign substances into a woman's chest to make her breasts bigger, and some of the early materials seem strange, even mind-boggling, today.
Early breast implant materials included:
Ox Cartilage
It was not uncommon for doctors to experiment with placing similar parts from other animals into the human body for medical reasons. The practice continues today, as cartilage grafts from pigs, cows, and other animals that are biologically similar to humans are often used to replace a faulty heart valve or repair torn ligaments and tendons. For breast enhancement, however, the approach did not work.
Artificial Spheres
Globes made from all sorts of substances, including glass, ivory, and other painful-sounding materials, were surgically inserted during the early years of implant experimentation. As you can imagine, many of these surgeries ended with disastrous results.
Other Artificial Substances
To better mimic the feel of a natural breast, surgeons eventually moved away from hard spheres and experimented with sponges, wool, ground rubber, and other “fillers.” Many of these failed as well, often due to infection and other dangerous complications.
Saline
Saline implants remain very popular and widely used today. The saline inside them is no different from the saline found in eyedrops or contact lens solution. Because saline is similar in composition to fluids that occur naturally in the human body, there are fewer health risks if the implant ruptures. Some patients, however, feel these implants are not as aesthetically pleasing as silicone.
Fact #2: Breast Implant Popularity by Country
Have you ever wondered which countries perform the most breast implant surgeries each year? A lot of it comes down to overall population: the more women a developed country has, the higher its total number of procedures. It's no surprise, then, that the United States came first in 2010, followed by Brazil and Mexico.
To put those numbers in context, though, you have to look at surgeries performed per capita. By that measure, the US ranks fifth in the world. Brazil ranks first in breast implants per capita, followed by Greece, Italy, and Colombia.
Fact #3: Breast Implant Safety and Important Recalls
For years, rumors have circulated that breast implants are bad for your health. No conclusive evidence has confirmed these claims, but that doesn't mean there are no inherent risks associated with implant ruptures.
One particular type of implant has also been recalled. A French company called PIP (Poly Implant Prothèse) was found guilty of using a substandard type of silicone in its implants, which could lead to serious complications if the implant ruptured.
Any woman with implants manufactured by PIP should consult her doctor promptly to find out whether the recall applies to her.
What About Natural Breast Enhancement?
If you want to increase your cup size but aren't sold on breast implants, or would rather not spend thousands on an operation, there is another path. Have you considered natural breast enhancement? Herbally based pills and creams are marketed to help your breasts grow naturally, without the cost or risk of surgery. The key is choosing the right product, and we've made that easier by reviewing and ranking the top options available today. Check out our product comparison chart for more information.
