Is it possible that my implant has ruptured form a chiropractic adjustment?

Question

I got a breast augmentation 18 months ago. I get adjustments regularly, but due to a recent injury I have been seeing my Chiropractor 3x a week. Yesterday, while adjusting me, he had me lay on my back and did an adjustment where he pushes down on my left upper back. He put majority of his weight accidentally on my left breast and I felt a large pop. Late that evening I got feverish and pins and needles all over my skin (possibly from cashmere, or from the implant?). Today i’m sore

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Rupture is highly unlikely. Implants are exceedingly durable. There are several videos available online demonstrating this durability (running sample implants over with a car etc.).

While it is unlikely that any real damage was done. If something has changed, I would recommned follow up with your surgeon.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

18 months is enough time for skin to cover your implants and its not likely for chiropractic move to rapture it. However, its best to be safe than sorry. Therefore, I recommend you to visit your surgeon and get checked to make sure everything is good. Good luck

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that your implant ruptured from your chiropractic treatment.  Your capsule, which is made of scar tissue, may be responsible for what you felt.  If in doubt you can visit with your plastic surgeon for an evaluation.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Most likely you had the scar tissue around the implant which is called the capsule rupture.  This should not harm your implant.  If there is a question you can get an MRI to check your implant.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

It is highly unlikely that your relatively new implant ruptured, but instead your scar capsule did. This can lead to soreness due to bruising. Hopefully your surgeon has high resolution ultrasound available in their office so that this can be quickly and easily confirmed. Most surgeons like myself who perform a lot of silicone gel breast augmentation should have one (or two), they're invaluable to us!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If anything was torn, it might be the capsule. However, you can get a breast ultrasound if you want to check your implant.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I think it’s unlikely your chiropractic manipulation caused rupture of your implants.
If you have concerns regarding your implants, I suggest you follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Breast implants are usually quite resilient at 18 months.
If your chiropractic treatments are leaving you in pain then consider discussing this with your chiropractic provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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Is it possible that my implant has ruptured form a chiropractic adjustment?

Answers (7)

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