"Falsies" have probably been around in one form or another
for many centuries, but it has only been in the last few decades that a large
industry has blossomed around simulation or enhancement of breast tissue. I
haven't been able to find a whole lot of information on the history of breast
forms either on the web or by contacting breast form manufacturers and other
companies directly, so this section will have to be a little different. I can
provide some anecdotal information that I've found in my searches so far, but
it is sketchy at best. As I learn more I will update this section accordingly.
Sources:
[1] This item implies that mastectomies HAD been performed ELSEWHERE prior to 1700 - this also directly contradicts information found in [3] I will try to get this discrepancy clarified.
www.canadapost.ca/.../archive-e.asp?prid=183
[2] www.suctioncupmuseum.com/.../patents.html
[3] www.thebreastcaresite.com/...
[4] www.oglethorpe.edu/.../inventory.htm
1700
Canadian doctor Michel Sarrazin performs first known Canadian
mastectomy [1]
1889
US Patent for "Bosom Form" Patent 401028, April 9, 1889 by
J. W. Greene - a breast growth device that could double as a prosthesis. [2]
Early 1900s
"In the early 1900s, when the mastectomy was first
performed, there were no breast prostheses available. Women either
did without a prosthesis or made their own out of available materials." [3]
1940
Time capsule from 1940 - includes "1 Lady's Breast Form" [4]
Late 1960s
Airway introduces "Companion" - the first external silicone
prosthesis.
1992
Amoena Affinity/Discrene attachable systems introduced
1998
Amoena Luxa Contact attachable form introduced
Sources:
[1] This item implies that mastectomies HAD been performed ELSEWHERE prior to 1700 - this also directly contradicts information found in [3] I will try to get this discrepancy clarified.
www.canadapost.ca/.../archive-e.asp?prid=183
[2] www.suctioncupmuseum.com/.../patents.html
[3] www.thebreastcaresite.com/...
[4] www.oglethorpe.edu/.../inventory.htm
Company Histories
| Company | Created | First Prosthesis |
Country of Manufacture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airway(SAI) | 1893 | ~1964 | Germany |
| Amoena (Coloplast) | 1957 | 1975 | Denmark |
| Camp(Trulife) | 1908 | "over 30 years" | Ireland |
| Classique | 1976 | 1976 | Germany |
| Expressions(Otto Bock) | 1919 | ?? | ?? |
| Freeman | 1891 | 1990 | USA |
| Jodee | 1971 | 1971 | Germany |
| Natural Profile Corp. | 1986 | 1995 | USA |
| Nearly Me | 1976 | 1976 | USA |
| Saville 1300 | 1991 | 1993 | USA/Brazil |