[Filling materials in the repair and esthetic surgery of the breast. Historical notes]

The biological and synthetic materials employed over the years for filling breasts after mastectomy or for congenital malformations are reviewed. At the start of the century, breast shape and volume were changed by adipose tissue grafts. In the 50s and 60s dermo-fibro-adipose grafts and later auto-grafts and grafts of the large epiploon were used. Synthetic materials have also developed, from early century attempts using paraffin injections to the discovery for industrial use of plastics. Following the first polyvinyl prostheses, Cronin developed silicon prostheses for medical purposes and in later years these went through numerous changes in form, volume and design up to the recent skin expanders. Polyurethane has also been used in attempts to reduce capsular retraction.