Composition Silicon (spelled without the "e") is a naturally occurring element found throughout the world including in sand found on beaches. The term silicone (with the "e") describes a large category of carbon-silicon polymers. The greater the complexity of the polymers and the cross-linking between the molecules, the more firm or cohesive the silicone becomes. Silicone may therefore exist as a liquid (WD-40), gel (silicone implants) or solid (silastic). History Breast augmentation or enlargement dates back to World War II when Japanese women injected liquid silicone into their breasts to impress the American servicemen. Since 1962, surgeons have used silicone breast implants as the primary means of breast enlargement. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) never approved silicone implants. The use of breast implants pre dates the approval process of the FDA, so the FDA essentially grandfathered in the use of silicone implants. In the 1990s, the public placed silicone breast implants under severe public scrutiny after reporter exposed their hazards. The government soon banned implants despite strong scientific research that demonstrated their safety. Trial attorneys, activist groups, the media and patients who needed someone to blame for their general ailments such as autoimmune diseases supported the ban. After an impressive lawsuit against Dow Corning, the government brought implants back under investigational use for reconstruction purposes only. After much research, the FDA approved the use of silicone gel-filled breast implants for cosmetic and reconstructive breast enhancement purposes on November 17, 2006. Several research studies to investigate the safety of the short-term and long-term effects of the implants are still ongoing.