Stab proof/bulletproof vest on breast implants?

Question

Hi. I work as a police officer in New Zealand and we constantly have to wear a stab proof vest that weighs approximately 6kg everyday during active duty. Also we sometimes have to insert ballistic plates in the vest that press a but in the chest and weigh an extra 10kg. My concern is if I get implants and do the recommended 6 to 8 week light duty after would I still be at risk of hurting or rupturing the implants once i start wearing the vest everyday again when I go back to active duty.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Breast implants are very durable. Beyond the initial 6 weeks of recovery time, you should be able to go back to your routine daily work and wear bulletproof vest. I would seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a full evaluation and advice. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
  
Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The majority of breast implants are made to withstand hundreds of pounds of pressure.  It is important that you listen to your body and not push lifting any objects for at least 2 weeks, and not lifting heavy objects for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Though you are not lifting the 6 and 16 kg vests, this is still extra weight pushing against your chest when you go back to active duty. If implants are silicone and inserted dual plane, the risk is low for hurting or rupturing the implants.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Typically after the 4-6 weeks of recovery it is not an issue to wear a bullet proof vest.  I would suggest speaking with your surgeon to just confirm their protocol.  Best of luck to you.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Mammograms place up to 25 pounds of pressure on breasts with implants with no problem. Implants can handle 100s of pounds of pressure. I have patients who sky dive, scuba dive, kick box, and body build for competitions with no problem.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board certified Plastic Surgeon and AuthorRealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nzfive0,
modern silicone implants are very strong and don't rupture that easy. Breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. 
When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Once you have healed, about 4 to 6 weeks, you should be able to wear your vest with no problems. Most of the officers I do here are able to wear their bullet proof vests in few weeks after surgery.

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Breast implants are actually quite tough (although their structural integrity diminishes somewhat over time). The implants should be able to handle the weight of a 16 kg (35 pound) protective vest without difficulty.
Best wishes...

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry. It is important to have an in-person assessment regarding your concerns as it is difficult to determine virtually.

Exact end results and cup sizes are usually quite difficult to calculate as everyone has a different starting point.

There are many different factors that go into choosing a breast implant size which will correspond with your body dimensions while concurrently achieving your aesthetic results. Some of these factors are: Implant size (CC's), Implant profile (Low, Moderate, High), Placement of the implant (Subglandular vs. Dual Plane) etc. We utilize smooth round cohesive silicone gel 'gummy bear' implants for the best results.

During a consultation your aesthetic goals are heard and taken into account with the measurements of your breasts and the integrity of your tissue, as well as level of ptosis (sag). From here we collectively can find your 'perfect fit'. You are able to try out sizers and different implants in our office such that you can get an idea of what size you would be post-operation. We also offer Crisalix 3D plastic surgery virtual simulator during our in-person and virtual consultations to preview potential results. After your consultation, you will receive your very own implant sizers to take home with you (at a small cost) whether or not you decide to go forward with your procedure.

I usually recommend that my patients stop smoking, take vitamin C daily, and avoid aspirin/ibuprofen and vitamin E 3 weeks prior to surgery. I specialize in the 24-hour Recovery method which minimizes trauma to the breast and decreases pain post-operatively.

We encourage you to look at our website and Instagram (drkaraplasticsurgery) for lots of before and after pictures!
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery.

We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind
Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery! It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

Stab proof/bulletproof vest on breast implants?

Answers (8)