The Evolution of Saline and Textured Implants
The inflatable saline-filled implant was first reported by Arion in France in 1965. The saline implant allowed for smaller incisions due to the fact that the implant could be placed and then filled once the pocket had been dissected. Saline implants were subsequently developed by American manufacturers in the early 1970s.
The emphasis for the inception of and interest in these devices was focused on their inflatable nature, allowing smaller incisions, not on the character or safety of the liquid filler or an attempt to lessen the rates of capsular contracture. It is generally accepted that the contracture rate with saline implants is relatively low. There were high early deflation rates due to valve and shell failure. However, with the replacement by diaphragm valve this problem was been rectified. Saline implants are heavier and may cause more tissue thinning with inferior displacement.
Next came texturing of the implant surface. Ashley reported lessened capsular contracture rates with use of a silicone gel implant covered with a thin layer of polyurethane. The polyurethane surface adhered to the surrounding tissues, subsequently delaminated, and created a relatively noncontractible capsule. Prospective clinical studies demonstrated significantly lower incidence of capsule contracture, whether filled with silicone or saline.
Links to Additional Beverly Hills and Los Angeles Breast Augmentation Articles at Hughes Plastic Surgery:
Article 1: The History of Breast Augmentation in the US
Article 2: The Evolution of Saline and Textured Implants
Article 3: Silicone Implants and Implant Controversies
Article 4: Evaluation of the Breast Augmentation Surgery Patient
Article 6: Incisions and Approaches to Breast Augmentation: Transaxillary and Transumbilical