The Future of Breast Implants

It wasn't too long ago that plastic surgeons were experimenting with breast implants, using such substances as paraffin wax, rubber, wool, and even glass in an attempt to enhance cleavage in patients and fix deformities. A lot of progress has been made in the past 100 years of cosmetic surgery, so much so that it makes one wonder what is in store for the future. Better, more effective, and less risky surgical methods are likely closer than you might think.

Cohesive gel breast implants, also known as "gummy bears," are slowly gaining popularity in the USA. Already used widely throughout Europe, only a select few surgeons are allowed to use this type of implant, but that may change in the next few years as more studies become available. The difference between the gummy bear and the typical silicone is that the gel is solid, just like its sweet namesake. It can technically tear, but no liquid will run out and the shape will not be compromised. A disadvantage is that it cannot mold to the body and remains static in shape, which may not make it suitable for all patients depending on their individual anatomy. In addition to the exterior, the interior of an implant is being experimented with as well. Surgeons and scientists have been creating prototypes that have different outer shells and textures to increase safety, longevity, and feel, as well as aesthetics.

Stem cell bust enhancement is another area of plastic surgery that is gaining attention and may become a viable competing option to breast implants within the next decade. Fat is removed from one area of the body such as the love handles or thighs via liposuction. Once extracted, part of the fat will go through a process to remove the stem cells. These are then added to the untouched fat that was removed to create a high ratio within the sample size. Traditionally, fat transplants have a high rejection rate and the area can deflate quite quickly. The added stem cells are an attempt to strengthen the acceptance of the fat into the new area as well as to promote future growth. This option will be appealing to many patients as no foreign material is introduced into the body. Essentially, you are increasing the volume of your chest with your own body fat. The disadvantage is a potentially high failure rate and greater costs due to the skill and equipment needed to perform such a technical surgery.

What else might the future hold in store for breast implants? Many surgeons and patients alike want to see injectable materials that are safe and can provide temporary or long-term subtle changes and a more natural shape. Safety is also a big concern, and capsular contracture, where the cells squeeze around the implant causing a pinched appearance, is one of the biggest aesthetic risks of surgery. Finding the reason for this condition and ways to minimize its development will be another issue that will gain attention in the coming years.