Coming Full Circle: Journey Back to the Inframammary Fold

This article chronicles a 30 year evolution in breast augmentation, highlighting advances in implants, techniques, and anatomic understanding while reaffirming foundational surgical principles. It traces the transition from subglandular to submuscular placement following the 1992 Food and Drug Administration moratorium on silicone implants, and the subsequent return to the inframammary fold (IMF) approach after 2006. Detailed anatomy of the IMF is emphasized as critical for preventing complications such as malposition. Major advancements include stronger, more cohesive implants, improved imaging and surgical precision, infection-reducing techniques, and high-resolution ultrasound diagnostics, setting a new standard for safe, precise, and esthetically refined breast augmentation.