Silicone gel-filled breast implants were introduced in the 1960s. Since the 1970s, silicone gel-filled breast implants have been used extensively for breast augmentation and reconstruction in over 60 countries worldwide.
Early 1970s Silicone gel technology for implants developed at McGhan Medical (now Allergan)
1992 Moratorium in the US on the use of silicone implants, pending further safety information
1992 FDA lifts moratorium later that year and allows silicone implants to be used for reconstruction in clinical studies
1999 Breast augmentation and reconstruction clinical study by Allergan
2001 Silicone-filled breast implants included on the Australian register of therapeutic goods
2006 Based on new data, FDA approved silicone gel-filled breast implants for use in the US