Did my 10 year old silicone breast implant pop when I tried to carry something heavy?

Question

Hello, First of all Id like to thank you for reading my concern. On February 15th, I tried to carry something heavy and suddenly I felt a pop on my left breast. I have a silicone breast implant, I had it done Feb 2014, it was done under the muscle and the incision is under the breast. After feeling the pop, since then, I know to myself that I have been having weird feeling on my left breast. I can say it is a sore feeling but not painful. Sometimes it goes away and sometimes it comes back.Help

Tyler Frew, MD · Answer

Hi there
Could be a few things.
Silicone implant rupture- it certainly could be however in order to prove you will need imaging such as an MRI or Ultrasound to detect. Usually when the implant ruptures the capsule thickens and the breast becomes harder (dosent always occur however) over time and could become distorted. 
Capsular tear- The capsule around you implant may have tore due to lifting of the heavy object. This could distort your breast shape slightly depending on the size of the tear. This will ultimately heal itself unless it is very large and distorts the breast, then we will plan to fix it surgically 
Musculoskeletal issues- Since you described the pain after lifting a heavy object there is always the chance that you sprained/strained/tore a muscle, mostly likely the pectoral. 
I would recommend you seek consultation with your PCP and plastic surgeon to have a physical exam and more guidance. All the best

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Silicone breast implants are quite durable. I suggest as a first step to see your plastic surgeon. The definitive test for a ruptured implant is an MRI of your breasts. Depending on your insurance plan this may need to be ordered by your primary care physician

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Carrying something heavy may have caused the muscle to tear or it may be a possible implant rupture.  You will need an ultrasound or MRI to determine exactly what is going on.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You probably tore part of your capsule and now the implant can shift a little more. It may not be a problem at all, but I would suggest going back to your doctor and being checked.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Kelly,
The FDA recommendation for breast implant surveillance is currently an MRI or breast ultrasound 5 years after breast implant placement and every 3 years following that.  You are long overdue for a study.  Seek consultation with an American Board of Plastic Surgery board certified plastic surgeon for an examination and guidance.  Or, see your GYN for a prescription for breast ultrasound or MRI to evaluate the integrity of your breast implants.  Good luck!

Did my 10 year old silicone breast implant pop when I tried to carry something heavy?

Answers (5)

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