Vincenz Czerny reported the first successful breast augmentation in 1895. Following a unilateral partial mastectomy, he transplanted a trunk lipoma to reconstruct the defect. From then to 1962 when Cronin and Gerow reported the first successful insertion of a silicone implant a wide variety of techniques were trialled. This period of time saw the insertion of prosthetics including glass and ivory balls, ox cartilage, wool, polyethylene chips, polyvinyl alcoholic sponge and silastic rubber. Injections of paraffin or liquid silicone were also trialled and in some places are still in practise today. These techniques are associated with a wide array of outcomes and significant complications ranging from infection and skin necrosis through to pulmonary embolism and death.
Reportedly after noticing a hanging transfusion bag bare the resemblance of a breast Cronin and Gerow in conjunction with Dow Corning Corporation developed and trialled silicone implants in dogs and progressed to the first insertion of a silicone implant in a patient in 1962. From then to today there has been rapid growth in the field of breast augmentation and to the current implants accepted and approved for use. This period has seen multiple different models and products both introduced and withdrawn with concerns ranging from high rates of silicone leakage, high complication rate, mass litigation and queried links to autoimmune illnesses and cancer.
From the first breast augmentation to today it is clear to see the advancement in products available along with the high standards and expectations for product safety and testing prior to use. With ongoing research and development and with surveillance for long term outcomes of the current available implants it will be of interest to see what the next advancement in breast augmentation is.