Can a back massage cause a rupture of the silicone breast implant one year post-op?

Question

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

Your implants are tough and meant to last all sorts of stress over time. That being said, our own bodies give out with time as does every living and and just about everything else in life (e.g. cars, microwave ovens) and so is the case for implants. For silicone implants prior to 2006, ruptures occur at rates of approximately 1-2% per year for the first ten years then markedly increases after that time period. A rupture or deflation of the implant may be experienced at any point after the initial augmentation; this complication may be increased by an under-filling or overfilling of saline solution into the implant, excessive compression, trauma, and other causes. (If the implant shell if not filled with the correct amount of saline, there may be a crease or fold in the shell which often leads to a rupture). You will be able to self-diagnose the need for an implant exchange (if using a saline implant) because if the current implant ruptures, the breast will shrink to approximately its preoperative size. A silicone implant that has a rupture is usually noted on a routine mammogram or MRI scan. In either case although the situation needs to be corrected on a timely basis, it is not dangerous to your health from our current knowledge base. Silicone implants after 2006 are more cohesive and less likely to leak or have silicone migration.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.No, a back massage should not cause breast implants to rupture.

To be sure, see two or more experienced,
board-certified Plastic Surgeons for a complete evaluation to make sure you are
a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.

I hope this helps.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A massage should not rupture your implant. That being said you must be experiencing some symptoms you have not included in your description. Best to contact your surgeon and discuss your concerns. Best,

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

This would be very unlikely. If you have ever held a silicone implant, you would note that it can be squeezed very tightly in your hand bulging in between your fingers and it rebounds back to its original shape, very durable. If they were that weak, then mammograms would cause problems.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is extremely unlikely for a massage to cause a breast implant to rupture. It usually takes a significant trauma for it to rupture.

Can a back massage cause a rupture of the silicone breast implant one year post-op?

Answers (5)

Answer: Unlikely

Answer: Unlikely

Answer: Ruptured breast implant and massage

Answer: Ruptured breast implant and massage

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can a back massage cause a rupture of the silicone breast implant one year post-op?

Answers (5)

Answer: Unlikely

Answer: Unlikely

Answer: Ruptured breast implant and massage

Answer: Ruptured breast implant and massage

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.