Ruptured Saline Implant - severe chest pain and shallow breathing. Could this be an infection?

Question

Doctor, 2004 augumentation-textured tear drop saline implants. Right breast implant suffered a blunt hit/trama and it ruptured. MRI confirmed. I thought I pulled a muscle for the last month and a half. Breast increased in size, rock hard, hurts to touch, horrible pain in chest/lung area, fatigued all day, sleeping is difficult, shooting pain in arm. What really bothers me is that breathing hurts. I can only take slow shallow breaths. Could it be an infection?

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

How can all this work up be done and you not have seen a plastic surgeon? Something is not right!  You need surgery and If your implant was ruptured it would be flat and to have a breast this large of a breast is a huge hematoma or seroma but not just a muscle spasm. Please update us ASAP.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Without an in person evaluation it is hard to diagnose what is going on. I would recommend seeing your surgeon or a doctor asap to be evaluated.  Best of luck to you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tracypgirl,I understand your concern. 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

Thomas S. Taylor, FACS · Answer

It sounds and looks like you have an enlarging seroma or hematoma as a result of your blunt trauma last month. You should see a plastic surgeon as soon as you can as you are going to need surgery fix this problem and exchange out your broken implant. I would do this sooner than later since you said your breast is getting bigger and tighter and because you are so uncomfortable. Good luck! I hope this helped.Thomas Taylor, MD, FACS

Ruptured Saline Implant - severe chest pain and shallow breathing. Could this be an infection?

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Answer: Enlarging Breast Implant

Answer: Enlarging Breast Implant

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Ruptured Saline Implant - severe chest pain and shallow breathing. Could this be an infection?

Answers (4)

Answer: Enlarging Breast Implant

Answer: Enlarging Breast Implant

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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.