Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK. Breast implants are particularly popular amongst women between the ages of 25 to 35. This blog post contains a basic overview of the history of breast augmentation cosmetic surgery.

Breast Implant history

1895-1920’s: During this time period the first breast enlargement procedures were attempted.  Breast augmentation was attempted using paraffin injections but was eventually discarded due to high complication rates.

920’s- 1940’s: breast implants were attempted by using fat from the buttocks and belly. This breast augmentation procedure was also eventually discarded as the fat would quickly be reabsorbed by the body which would leave the breasts with an asymmetrical appearance.

950’s: breast enlargement was attempted using polyvinyl sponges. However polyvinyl breast implants were also eventually rejected as they were found to harden and shrink after about a year. Infection rates were also noted to be high with polyvinyl breast implants.

961-1962: the first silicon breast implant was developed by Thomas Cronin.  In 1962 the first silicon breast implant surgery was attempted.

1964: the first saline breast implants were produced for breast enlargement surgery.

964-2008: saline and silicone breast implants have remained the most popular and widely used types of breast implants. However continuous refinement has taken place in both types of implants and many comprehensive studies have taken place which show that they are safe and reliable.

The Hurlingham Clinic in London specialises in breast augmentation (breast enlargement) cosmetic surgery and can be contacted on 020 7348 6380 for more information.