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Could I Have Ruptured a Breast Implant Following Pneumonia? Experiencing Burning And Sharp Pain.

asked 8 months ago by BeckyP1012 in England
Latest answer by Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD
Question viewed 434 times
Tags: 10 years post-op, burning, pain, rupture

My breast implants are 11 years old. For the past 5 weeks I have had pneumonia in both lungs with blunting at the left costophrenic angle on x-ray. Originally I had some pleuritic chest pain in the area of my right ribcage but this cleared up. My chest is now clear following 4 courses of antibiotics and Prednisolone, but over the last few days I have developed a severe burning sensation in my right breast, with extreme sharp pain in the same area. Could I have ruptured the implant?

8 answers to Could I Have Ruptured a Breast Implant Following Pneumonia? Experiencing Burning And Sharp Pain.

+2

Ruptured implants are unlikely cause of your pain

It is unlikely that pneumonia can cause damage to your implants and even more unlikely that it causes pain. . Please check with your surgeon and the primary care physician what could cause your symptoms. Ruptured implants are typically asymptomatic although sometimes change in shape of your breast can appear. Your plastic surgeon will be able to determine if your symptoms are related to your breast surgery.
Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast problems after pneumonia

All of the answers below are very good.. although pain is not typical of implant failure, changes in the capsule such as a tear or increased tightness can create pain or unusual sensations. saline implants almost always deflate rapidly.. silicone can be "silent" if you have no more fever or redness. consider seeing your doctor. getting an Ultrasound and maybe mri. at ten years you may need to... more
Jed H. Horowitz, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ruptured breast implant?

If a breast implant is saline and develops a leak or ruptures, it will deflate rapidly, within 24 hours, and become very noticeably flat! If the the implant is silicone, it will not deflate, but may become distorted in appearance. Pain has NOT been associated with implant rupture. A very common condition that occurs with breast implants that does cause pain is COSTOCHONDRITIS. Think of costochondritis like "tennis elbow" of the ribs. It... more
David Finkle, MD

Omaha Plastic Surgeon

www.bodybyfinkle.com

+1

Implant rupture from pneumonia

I sincerely doubt that you ruptured your implants from coughing during and after pneumonia. I have heard of cracked ribs and sever muscle strains which can give you pain. I would check this out along with a visit to your plastic surgeon for follow up even if only for your own peace of mind.
Steven Schuster, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.schusterplasticsurgery.com

+1

Cld I Hve Ruptured Breast Implant Following Pneumonia? Experiencing Burning&Sharp Pain.Answer:

If your breast itself is soft and non-tender to the touch, then it is probably not related to your implant. This is most likely a hold over or referred pain from the pleurisy or musculoskeletal strain radiating to the breast. Another thing I have seen in patients is Costochondritis, or an inflammation of the cartilage along the ribs. This can be very tender and often presents as breast pain or chest tenderness. And then there is the always possible “we may never know” and it... more
John J. Corey, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast pain?

While you pain may be from the implant, more likely common things happen commonly and it could be related to your pneumonis. Either way, you definitely need to hae it checked out to make sure it is nothing serious.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implant rupture after pneumonia

There should be no connection between pneumonia and a deflation. However, I do have concern that the bacteria from the pneumonia could have seeded an infection around the implant. If the breast becomes red and tender, this would indicate infection. You should followup with your plastic surgeon and inform your pulmonologist that you have implants as well.
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Leaking Breast Implant?

Thank you for the question. Given description of “severe burning" and “extreme sharp pain” you should be evaluated by a physician ASAP. Also given your history, it is most likely that what you are experiencing is musculoskeletal pain ( for example after severe coughing with pneumonia). Rupture of a breast implant would be evident clinically (if saline) or may require evaluation with MRI (if silicone). I hope this helps. more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

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