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March 1 marks the start of National Breast Implant Awareness Month – a time to bring attention to the importance of breast health and reconstruction options for those who have undergone mastectomy surgery. This month was created by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 1998 to educate and empower women about their choices when it comes to breast reconstruction. It's a time to celebrate advancements in technology and honor those who have overcome breast cancer. So let's raise awareness, support each other, and spread positivity this month!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1961</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Silicone Breast Implant</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dr. Thomas Cronin and Dr. Frank Gerow, plastic surgeons from Texas, developed the first silicone gel-filled breast implant in collaboration with the Dow Corning Corporation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>FDA's Regulatory Authority Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>The FDA's authority is expanded to include the regulation of medical devices, including breast implants.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>FDA Moratorium on Silicone Implants</div><div class='timeline-text'>The FDA placed a moratorium on silicone gel-filled breast implants due to health concerns. Conditions for use were set while further studies were conducted.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Breast Implant Awareness Month Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Society of Plastic Surgeons created National Breast Implant Awareness Month to educate and empower women about breast reconstruction options.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Resumption of Silicone Implants</div><div class='timeline-text'>FDA lifts the moratorium on silicone gel-filled breast implants after extensive research and trials.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Discovery of ALCL Risk</div><div class='timeline-text'>The FDA announced a possible association between breast implants and the development of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn about breast implants and their potential risks and benefits. Share this information with your friends and family to spread awareness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a support group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you or someone you know has breast implants, consider attending a support group to connect with others and share experiences. This can also be a great way to learn more about the topic.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a charity event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use the month to raise funds and awareness for breast implant-related causes. You can organize a charity event such as a walk or run, or even a bake sale, with all proceeds going towards a chosen organization.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you have had breast implants, consider sharing your story with others to inspire and educate. This can be through a blog post, social media, or speaking at an event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Get a mammogram</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In addition to regular self-exams, make sure to schedule a mammogram to ensure the health of your breasts. Use this month as a reminder to prioritize your breast health.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for breast health</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Breast Implant Awareness Month not only educates women about the risks and benefits of breast implants, but also brings attention to the importance of overall breast health. This includes self-examination, regular check-ups, and early detection of any irregularities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes body positivity and acceptance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Breast implants are a personal choice that should be made without judgment or pressure from society. National Breast Implant Awareness Month encourages individuals to feel confident in their own bodies, regardless of their decision to have cosmetic surgery.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It supports and empowers breast cancer survivors</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For many women who have undergone mastectomies due to breast cancer, breast implants can help restore their sense of femininity and confidence. National Breast Implant Awareness Month recognizes this aspect and celebrates these strong and courageous survivors.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Breast Implants are Among the Most Studied Medical Devices in Existence</h3><p class='facts-content'>With a history stretching back over half a century, breast implants have undergone thousands of comprehensive studies to determine their safety and efficacy. Thus making them some of the most medically examined devices.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Breast Implants Can Last for More Than a Decade</h3><p class='facts-content'>While no implant lasts forever, many modern breast implants have projected lifespans that extend beyond a decade, with many women retaining their initial implants for 10-20 years.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There is No Link Between Breast Implants and Breast Cancer</h3><p class='facts-content'>Major studies have found no association between breast implants and breast cancer. However, this doesn't negate the absolute necessity for regular checkups and mammograms.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Silicone Breast Implants are Filled After Placement</h3><p class='facts-content'>In contrast to saline implants which are filled prior to surgery, silicone breast implants are inserted empty and then filled. This can lead to smaller incisions and less visible scarring.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Breast Implants Can Improve Posture</h3><p class='facts-content'>While not their original intent, many patients note an improvement in their posture following augmentation surgery. This is due to strengthened back muscles while adjusting to the new added weight.</p></div></div>
National Breast Implant Awareness Month is celebrated on March 1 every year. In 2024, it will occur on a Friday.
2023
Mar 1
Wednesday
2024
Mar 1
Friday
2025
Mar 1
Saturday
2026
Mar 1
Sunday
2027
Mar 1
Monday
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