Cough rupturing breast implants? 390cc on the L breast and 400cc on the R saline implants under the muscle

Question

I am 3 weeks postop on my Right breast and 6 weeks post op on my Left breast I had a rupture right away after my inital surgery so I had to have a second surgery. I have a soar throat and mild cough now and I just want to know if there is a possibility that the cough can rupture my implants since they are under my chest muscle?

Susan D. Vasko, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is extremely unlikely that coughing could rupture your new Breast Implants. If you have continued questions or concerns, please contact your board-certified plastic surgeon's office.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Implants are exceedingly safe and durable. The newest generation of devices have thicker shells and a more cohesive fill (in the case of silicone gels). We know that they are more durable than previous generations but it is not absolutely clear how that translates into the lifespan of the device. However, it's a safe assumption that they will be longer lasting under normal circumstances.It is highly unlikely that a device would fail (rupture) from the force of a cough. I have never heard of this occurring with prior generation  devices, making it even less likely with the current generation. Generally speaking most early failures can either be attributed to a manufacturing flaw or damage caused upon insertion. Implants will typically fail along ripple lines as these become weak over time. Newer gels are less prone to rippling and this is easily avoided in saline devices by avoiding underfill.Late failures can be blamed on device age/wear, however, as I mentioned above this generation of devices is almost certain to outlive its predecessors.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I do not believe a cough can rupture your breast implant. Coughing cannot generate the pressure to rupture a device like a breast implant . Warmest regards, Dr. ALDO

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

It typically takes a lot of pressure to rupture an implant so a mild cough would be very unlikely to cause a rupture. Continue following up with your operating surgeon so he or she can monitor your progress after your second surgery. Enjoy your new look!

Gabriel Chiu, DO · Answer

Coughing will not cause breast
implant rupture.  Common cause of rupture
include trauma to the area such as an automobile accident, needle insertion for
a biopsy, capsular contracture, or compression during a mammogram.  Small flaws in the outer shell of the implant
(tear or hole) or if the seal around the valve is broken can also lead to
rupture and the shell may weaken with time. I am happy to see you in consultation to provide additional education.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can occur in the acute post-op phase as it has in your situation.  Usually this is from a faulty valve but could also be from surgeon error.  Regardless, now that you have had it replaced, it will not deflate from simply coughing.  The implants were designed to handle a lot of stressors and new implants will not deflate under your scenario.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Coughing will not disrupt the outer shell of a saline breast implant. It takes a much more focused force to create that effect on the silicone elastomer shell.

Moneer Jaibaji, MD · Answer

The simple answer is no. It should not rupture the implant but in the early period after surgery it can increase the risk of bleeding around the implants. Your plastic surgeon should be able to dress your concert and if you have any concern about the outcome I suggest you discuss it with him/her.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A cough will not cause an implants to rupture. They are very durable products. It is very unusual to have a rupture at 6 weeks.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problem you experienced after your initial breast augmentation surgery. Given your history, I can understand your concerns but breast implants deflation secondary to coughing is not something I would be concerned about if I were you.  This is a complication I have not seen or heard about. Best wishes for outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Cough rupturing breast implants? 390cc on the L breast and 400cc on the R saline implants under the muscle

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