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Injury to Breast Implant Valve

asked 1 year ago by San Antonio2450 in San Antonio
Latest answer by Christine Sullivan, MD
Question viewed 857 times
Tags: saline implants, accident, injury, pain, valve

I had my saline aug surgery 2 years ago. Should I seek medical attention if I accidently injured my self during horseplay? My son some how flipped me over and I felt like a valve scratched the inner wall. This happened 2 days ago and going into my 3rd day soon. I still am having trouble taking a deep breath because the pain is aweful plus just general movement to when lying down is a challenge. It almost feels like he scraped an organ.. is that possible?

13 answers to Injury to Breast Implant Valve

Injuries with saline implants

I'm a bit surprised at the answers here so far. One of the advantages of the saline-filled implant is that you don't have to worry whether it's intact or not. If it were injured and failed it would deflate and it would be obvious. It wouldn't harm anything but the shell and valve of your implant are intact if the volume of the implant is still there. Implants or valves are not going to cause the type of symptoms you're describing and you don't need a... more

Scott L. Replogle, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

See your surgeon for injury to breast.

Since you are feeling discomort, you should schedule an appointment and have your surgeon make sure you didn't cause yourself any damage. Good Luck.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Pain in breast at two years.

It sounds like you shoudl get examined by your surgeon to make sure eveything is okay and you didn't hurt yourself or have a problem with the implants.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Pain 2 years after augmentation

I would advice that you see a doctor as soon as you can. There are many possible causes to your pain and the easiest way to find out is to be examined. It could be minor, but you do not want to miss something while believing it will go away on its own.

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Pain after injury with Breast Implants

Your pain sounds like a severely strained muscle or rib. You could even have a broken rib. Because you are having trouble breathing, you should see someone as soon as possible. This does not have to be your surgeon who did the augmentation, as it does not sound like a problem with the implant. If it is, you will be referred back to your surgeon.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Highlands Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Valve Injury

I agree with Dr. Johnson in that it takes a significant force (think car accident) to traumatically rupture a breast implant. Also, dislodging or damaging the valve is an extremely rare situation. It is much more likely that you have a pulled/bruised muscle in your chest wall, which just requires time and rest to heal. If the uncertainty is too much to handle, or if your condition continues to persist, contact your plastic surgeon- a simple ultrasound can determine if your implant is... more

Derek Lou, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Injury to Breast Implant Valve

Best for your peace of mind to have an examination by a boarded PS in your area. Most likely you only injured some deep tissues that are inflamed. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Injury to breast implant valve possible but rare

Saline implants have a valve that is sealed automatically in addition to a plug that is held in place with a tiny strap. Sometimes tissue grows under the strap and the implant then becomes attached there so it can become torn loose. I have seen a case or two of this but it is very difficult to diagnose unless it becomes serious enouph to operate. I would give it some time.

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Injury to Implant?

If there is ever any question, you should go in to see your surgeon so he can completely check you out. Given that they are saline implants, if they were damaged severely, you would probably know it as thye would leak, deflate and your breast would shrink in size. It sounds like you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain and should resolve with antiinflammatories.

Brian S. Glatt, MD
Morristown Plastic Surgeon

Saline breast implants are very durable

It would take considerable force to cause a problem with your saline breast implant, and the valve has a smooth cover and will not scrape against tissues in the breast. Your chest and ribs may have been severely strained, and if you cannot take a deep breath or are short of breath see your physician immediately. A good examination will help sort out just how serious your injury is. Your implants will be fine. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

If you have any pain, you should see your doctor

While I doubt that you hurt the valve of the implant (this is hard to do), new pain after a trauma may indicate a muscle tear or other rupture. Your doctor will be able to diagnose and follow you.

Leland Deane, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Evaluation

Contact your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to schedule an appointment. It's always been to been evaluated if you have concerns. best wishes!

Christine Sullivan, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Late Injury to Breast Implant

From the mechanism of your injury and the symptoms that you describe, I cannot be sure if you have an injury involving your implant or some adjacent structure (rib, muscle,etc.). In any case I do think that you should be examined by your surgeon because of the severity of your symptoms.