I Got Hit in the Breast with a Football. The Area is Tender & Numb. Could my Silicone Implant Have Ruptured?

Question

Football thrown at breast....can it make my 3yr old silicone implant rupture?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Implants can withstand a tremendous amount of pressure. Getting hit by a football probably will not have ruptured your implant, but it sounds like your actual breast tissues did get traumatized by the experience. Keep an eye on your breast and if you feel anything unusual, then see your surgeon. You can also watch out for any shape changes, as this could indicate rupture (although, again, chances are your implant probably isn't ruptured).

Kelly Gallego, MD, FACS · Answer

The major implant companies guarantee their products against rupturing. Of course they do rupture infrequently. Implants mostly rupture from fold flaws or inherent weaknesses in the shell. It would extremely unlikely for an implant to rupture just from being hit by a football. Most likely your breast is just bruised, and the issues will likely subside in a couple of days. If they do not, you'll want to discuss this problem in person with your plastic surgeon.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

The force that needs to be exerted upon a breast implant that will induce a rupture is much more than people think. I routinely stomp on and throw sample implants on the floor during my consultations to demonstrate how durable they are. It is very unlikely that a football injury would be able to cause a problem for you. That being said, MRI screening is the best way to know for sure. If your symptoms do not resolve in the next week or so, you may want to have things checked out by your surgeon just to be sure.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	It would be very unusual for the trauma from a from football to cause a silicone breast implant rupture. Generally speaking, the force needed to cause such a rupture would be more significant.

	As always, it is best for you to check with your plastic surgeon who is in the best position to advise and probably reassure you.

	Best wishes.

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

I agree with the other responses here that it is unlikely to rupture a breast implant by being hit in the breast with a football. It is more likely that the breast is just bruised the same way it would be if there was no implant present. That being said, people make such claims all of the time. The attached link shows a claim that was widely discussed last year about a possible breast implant rupture from a paintball injury. My own belief is that any severe force to an implant "could" cause a rupture but it would take a pretty severe force and be very rare. If pain continues after any injury to the breast which is not simply bruising in the breast itself above the implant the lady should see a plastic surgeon. General practitioners are not the right doctor to go to about this injury as they simply do not know enough about implants and always end up worrying the patient as in the attached link. I don't treat high blood pressure or diabetes and they shouldn't be managing implants. Go see a plastic surgeon who will likely order an MRI if there is any concern about a potential leak. Good luck, and feel better

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

It is unlikely that your implant ruptured. The FDA approved silicone implants are quite durable. Having said that, if your symptoms don't resolve, please visit with your PS. An ultrasound or MRI can assess if your implant is OK. Best of luck.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling from an implant injury would produce tenderness and numbness.  You should see your plastic surgeon for an examination; if there is a question as to whether the implant has ruptured, a diagnostic study such as an MRI can be performed.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

It is unlikely that a thrown ball would have the force to rupture implants. However, it would be best to arrange a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to ensure that there are no issues.

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