The history and safety of breast implants

Acta Chir Plast. 2014;56(1-2):15-9.

Abstract

Breast implants are medical devices used for augmentation of the breast, to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy and to correct breast asymmetry. The breast prostheses are likely the most frequently used medical implants. The evolution of modern silicone breast implants was not straightforward and is characterised with a lot of medical, forensic and public attention. Currently it is sufficiently established that implants are safe and can be used for breast reconstruction and aesthetic augmentation. Prosthesis can rupture and produce local symptoms but there is no evidence that silicone breast implants can be of any health hazards for the patients.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Breast Implantation / history*
  • Breast Implants / history*
  • Device Approval
  • European Union
  • Female
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Silicone Gels / adverse effects
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration

Substances

  • Silicone Gels