The earliest record of breast augmentation dates back to late 1800s. During that time, paraffin injections were used and the result is a failure. Today, such medical proceedings had undergone numerous changes. Materials used in injections had evolved from paraffin to polypropylene, and in between are substances that seem to be odd like glass balls, ox cartilages, and ground rubbers. These historical data show the need for enlargement even in the early times.

This medical procedure is normally done for cosmetic purposes. However, there are also other situations in which the procedure is needed. It can also be used in reconstructing the breast due to deformations brought by other health conditions or prior surgeries. If you want to have it for cosmetic purposes, you should avail of primary augmentation or revision-augmentation proceedings. When you want to have it to restore the original form of your breast, you can avail of primary reconstruction or revision-reconstruction proceedings.

Though breast augmentation can resolve physical issues, recent studies show that higher suicide rates can be indirectly caused by the procedure. For the first decade after the surgery, there might be no significant increase in the suicide rate. But after 10 to 19 years after the surgery, suicide rate can increase to 4.5 times and as high as 6 times after 20 years. In addition, several studies about the relationship of having an implant and drug use were conducted. It was found out that women who had implant procedures could have three times more risk of death because of alcohol and drugs. It was believed however, that the higher suicide percentage and drug use was not directly caused by implants, but the psychological and emotional problems brought about by the procedure.

Safety of the implant material is also an issue. It is a fact that most materials have medical issues like the polyutherane foam coating. Some argue that it can have carcinogenic breakdown and increase the risk of cancer. Another implant material is the polypropylene. It is commonly used in porn film industry but in fact, it has been banned because of several complications it brings. Some implants also increase the chance of having cysts because as a foreign substance, the reaction of human body is to cover the implant with normal body tissues to isolate it from the normal body composition which will further result to cysts.

Other downside of augmentation are hardening of breasts, heavier breast weight, and possible loss of breast and nipple sensation.

Breast augmentation helps on redeeming low self-esteem for most women, but behind this lies several disadvantages and medical problems that may cause serious damage. So, proper consideration should be done before taking such proceedings.