Silicone Implant Evolution
Since their invention over 45 years ago, silicone breast implants have undergone continuous study and improvement by scientists, researchers and physicians. Development marched forward even during the years when the devices were subject to a ban in the United States – testament to the popularity of the implants with women who were able to get them (in Europe and under special circumstances in the U.S.) and the faith researchers and manufacturers have in the safety and superiority of silicone. To learn more about the latest silicone gel breast implants, come in to talk with one of our surgeons and save up to $150 on your consultation at select times when you request online.
Five Silicone Implant Generations
The silicone implant invented in 1961 by Dow Corning researchers Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow became the foundation for the first generation of breast implants. The early devices had a seamed rubber shell filled with a viscous form of silicone gel. They were firm to the touch and had a teardrop shape. Interestingly, it was thought at the time that the implants needed to be attached to existing tissue in order to stay put, so these early models featured Dacron or silicone mesh patches for this purpose (these were later discontinued). During the several years Dow Corning made these implants they refined their design, creating a thinner, seamless shell, for example.
The main complaints about the first silicone implants were twofold – they were too firm to the touch and caused a high incidence of capsular contracture. As a result, the second generation of implants, designed in the early 1970's, had thinner shells and more liquid silicone filling. These implants not only had a tendency to rupture, they also were found to leak silicone through their shells. These were the devices most often involved in the lawsuits that led to the fourteen-year ban by the FDA. Ironically, the incidence of capsular contracture did not seem to diminish with the new design.
The third generation of silicone breast implants, created in the 1980's, included manufacturing improvements to the implant shells. The cover material was thickened and reinforced with silica to improve the wear and tear and to prevent silicone gel bleed. In the fourth generation, which some people consider a later phase of the third generation, manufacturers began to use thicker, more cohesive silicone gel fillers. These are the implants from Allergan and Mentor which gained FDA approval in the United States in November 2006.
The fifth generation is the one which spawned the term "gummy bear implants," now used by many to describe all silicone implants on the market today. The silicone gel material is not just thick and cohesive, it's what's known as "form stable," as the manufacturer includes more of an agent called a "crosslinker" to create a gel that's both solid and soft. Just like a gummy bear, the implants feel soft and pliant but bounce back from the touch. And when cut, the material retains its shape and does not leak.
These implants are currently undergoing clinical trials in the United States though they have been widely available in Europe and elsewhere for years. Early studies of the latest silicone implants suggest this fifth generation will prove to be the most safe and effective yet.
Implant Timeline
- 1961: Cronin and Gerow create the first silicone implant
- 1962: First patient receives silicone implant
- 1970's: (early) New designs included thinner filling and shells
- 1970's: (later) Double lumen implants (silicone inside saline) emerged
- 1980's: (early) Polyurethane coating developed to reduce capsular contracture
- 1980's: (mid) Coated shells reduce gel migration
- 1980's: (later) Silicone filling becomes thicker
- 1992: FDA virtually bans silicone implants in the U.S.
- 1990's: (mid) Fifth generation implants available outside the U.S.
- 2006: FDA re-approves fourth generation implants
Are Gummy Bears for You?
Dr. Grant Stevens, Medical Director of Marina Plastic Surgery Associates, and his partner, Dr. David Stoker, are two of a select group of board certified plastic surgeons in the United States who are conducting clinical trials of the fifth generation silicone breast implants. If you want to participate in the silicone studies, learn more about whether you're eligible to receive your own pair of gummy bears. The best way to find out if you're a good candidate is to use our Web-exclusive Inside Online feature to request your FREE appointment at select times with Dr. Stevens or Dr. Stoker in Los Angeles to discuss silicone implant options.
