Currently serving as the top cosmetic surgery procedure worldwide, breast augmentation has been performed since the late 1800s and doctors have utilized techniques that have evolved over decades of procedures performed universally. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 290,224 breast augmentation procedures were performed in 2013 along with 95,589 breast reconstructions, 90,006 breast lifts, and 41, 164 breast reductions. ASPS recently published an article titled “History of Plastic Surgery” showcasing fun facts about cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and specifically breast surgery.
1895: The first documented breast augmentation surgery is performed by transplanting tissue from the back to the breast to correct asymmetry.
1899: Injectable materials including paraffin, beeswax, and vegetable oil were used to create the first breast implant.
1962: Thomas Cronin, a member ASPS, introduces the first silicone breast implant.
1980-1989: Atlanta breast reconstruction pioneer, Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium founder and ASPS member, surgeon Dr. Carl Hartrampf develops the TRAM flap technique for reconstructive breast surgery.
1990-1999: Over 1.2 million reconstructive procedures and over 1 million cosmetic procedures are performed in the United States annually.
1992: A restriction is placed on the use of silicone breast implants by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in which female patients may only opt for saline implants when undergoing breast augmentation.
1996: In an effort to drive legislation requiring insurance companies to cover post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, ASPS launches the Breast Reconstruction Advocacy Project (BRAP).
1998: The breast reconstruction legislation is signed by President Bill Clinton demanding insurance companies to cover the cost of reconstructive breast surgery post-mastectomy.
2006: The FDA approved silicone gel-filled breast implants and were now available for breast augmentation, in addition to breast reconstruction and revision.
2012: The Plastic Surgery Foundation and ASPS launched Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (BRA Day) which falls on October 15th each year and was generated to promote awareness, education, and access concerning breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy.
2013: The FDA approves the “gummy bear” silicone-gel breast implant and is certified to be utilized for breast augmentation surgery for individuals age 22 and over. Additionally, the implants are approved for women of all ages who are undergoing a breast reconstruction following cancer.
If you’re interested in a breast procedure I perform, please contact us today to schedule your consultation. For the most up-to-date plastic surgery news and specials be sure to connect with me, Dr. David Whiteman, on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
Southern Plastic Surgery provides patient financing options for any reconstructive or cosmetic surgery service we provide. Included within our financing options is CareCredit®. Care Credit® is an 18 month plan that charges no interest as long as monthly minimum payments are successfully met, and payment is received in-full within the 18 month promotional period. For more details on this and other patient cosmetic surgery financing options, contact Jackie at (770) 622-9100.