28 days PO, loud pop during massage (Photo)

Question

I was doing my downward massage as instructed by my surgeon and I realized that I haven’t been using too much force on my right implant. So I pushed down about as hard as I push on my left. I heard and felt a pop, but didn’t have pain. My right now feels softer and seems to have dropped a bit. My left breast is soft and rounded and now it seems the right has caught up a bit. Did I rupture the capsule? Also, the right implant pocket has always had that odd shape. Any thoughts on that?

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Hearing a popping sound while performing massage as instructed by your surgeon can happen as scar tissue releases.  This is not necessarily a rupture of the capsule, but can just be a release of tethered scar tissue.  The shape of the breast may represent other scar tissue or possibly a slight amount of rippling of the right implant.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Michelada69,I understand your concern. Based on your description, it sounds like your popping sound might be caused by rupture of scar tissue. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Phillip Dauwe, MD · Answer

It does sound like you ruptured the scar tissue, if the "pop" was followed by a lower position of the implant. I would avoid anymore downward massage if your implants are in good position. Check in with your surgeon to examine everything. It sounds like you accomplished what you were trying to.

Asaf Yalif, MD, FACS · Answer

While it is concerning to hear any kind of loud pop when massaging the breasts it could be the capsule or scar tissue as noted below. The safest thing would be to go back and see your surgeon and have them evaluate you in person to make sure everything is ok.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Based on your description the most likely cause of the pop and the change in implant feel is that you popped or broke a small thin capsule around the breast implant.  The fact the implant moves more smoothly after this also supports that conclusion.  However it is always best that you check with your plastic surgeon for an examinationto make sure that your implant is stable.

28 days PO, loud pop during massage (Photo)

Answers (5)