I have breast implant leakage/rupture. How would I know if the acupuncture needle/treatment, the trauma of hitting the wall?

Question

I was playing racketball and when going for the ball ran into the wall hurting my shoulder. I went to a chiropractor who, in addition to manipulating my neck and shoulder, did dry needle therapy to my shoulder girdle muscles. Now, 4 months later, the (10 year old) implant on my bad shoulder side is showing signs of leakage/rupturing. How would I know if it was the acupuncture needle/treatment, the trauma of hitting the wall, or just something coincidental? Thank you for your opinions.

J. Dayne Petersen, MD · Answer

When a silicone implant leaks it is most often due to "normal wear and tear" rather than one specific event.  If the implant edges are folded over onto itself within the pocket that is sits in it can create friction on the surface and wear down the shell of the implant.  An MRI is the best test to know detect a rupture or leak.  Its also important to consider what the specific signs of leakage that you are experiencing are.  Depending on the sign or finding additional procedures may be recommended at the time of implant exchange such as a capsulectomy (removal of hard scarred capsule tissue around the implant).  Good Luck.

Thomas M. DeWire Sr., MD (retired) · Answer

tm,The key is to determine whether or not their is a rupture.  Most often the cause of implant failure is simply repetitive stress on the implants during normal movement, especially if the implant pockets are smaller than ideal and cause shell folding stresses.  Direct trauma can rupture an implant, or just as likely call attention to an implant that has already failed.  Also, trauma can tear the scar capsule around an implant, changing the geometry, and potentially allowing already free silicone to move into the adjacent tissues.  Needles from acupuncture are usually not going to be placed deep enough to cause rupture, and would not likely be placed in the breast in any event. With silicone, you may need MRI to detect rupture, as physical exam is pretty unreliable in that regard, and even MRI has a 15% false positive interpretation rate due to technological limitations of the technique.   If surgery is already planned, however, there is no reason to spend the money for MRI unless it would change the plan.  I hope that this helps.  Information concerning augmentation is linked below.

I have breast implant leakage/rupture. How would I know if the acupuncture needle/treatment, the trauma of hitting the wall?

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I have breast implant leakage/rupture. How would I know if the acupuncture needle/treatment, the trauma of hitting the wall?

Answers (2)

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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.