Can trauma cause breast implants to rupture or cause capsular contracture?

Question

I had under the muscle silicone breast implants 10mths ago. I was bathing my daughter and leaning on my chest on the side of the tub when I heard a pop sound. I had pain under my left breast for about a week, thought I bruised a rib. After 1mth I have slight swelling on my lower breast at the armpit side and I think that breast feels diffferent than the other. Not as soft? Should I be concerned or am I just being paranoid? Did I cause capsular contracture?

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In order to determine what exactly you are experiencing as a result of the popping sound that you heard, you should be evaluated in person by your operating surgeon.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

When in doubt it would be prudent to return to your plastic surgeon for an exam. An ultrasound or MRI can diagnose if this is a rupture. In general the implants are tough and simply leaning on the tub side should not hurt your implant especially one that is less than 10 years old.

Badar Jan, MD · Answer

An excellent question. Implants can rupture from substantial force. In general it is more on the order of magnitude of a motor vehicle accident rather than leaning on the implants. It is possible you may have had some capsular tightening which ruptured causing discomfort. The safest thing is to be examined by your surgeon.Take care!

Mariam Awada, MD, FACS · Answer

I strongly recommend you get examined by your PS.  They may choose to perform evaluation of your implant and can guide you better based on your physical exam.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

You should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon in person to see what's going on.  That way, you can determine if any studies or treatment are needed.

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  If you have any concerns about the integrity of your silicone implants, you can have your plastic surgeon order a noncontrast breast MRI.   However, implants very rarely rupture from blunt trauma.   It is more likely that you tore the capsule (your own tissue) that is the envelope which your breast implant sits within.    This can cause similar symptoms and recovery time to any cut or tear on the body.     Capsular contracture would present with increasing pain, swelling, tenderness, and hardness.   All the best.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

It is possible for trauma to rupture a breast implant.   But, this usually requires significant force.  It is unlikely that leaning on them would cause a rupture, but the only way to be relatively certain is to get an MRI.   It is possible that you just tore your capsule around the implant.  That can cause some soreness which can last several weeks or even a couple months.   Definitely make an appointment to see your surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Without an evaluation in person, it is difficult to say.  It could represent an implants rupture if the shape changed, or popping from scar tissue.

Thomas M. DeWire Sr., MD (retired) · Answer

kk,This sort of mechanism is not the one likely to lead to implant rupture, but rather it could represent tear of the existing non-contractile soft tissue scar capsule around the implant, or tear of a scar band that bridges and edge of the capsule. This can lead to local bleeding and bruise, but not necessarily hematoma, or capsule contracture. Nonetheless, it would be a good idea to have your surgeon evaluate this situation, if only to offer peace of mind.  I hope that this helps.

Can trauma cause breast implants to rupture or cause capsular contracture?

Answers (9)

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