What if the capsule bursts under a seat belt during a car accident?

Question

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

The scar tissue surrounding your implant cannot "burst", although it can tear. If this occurs, pain and distortion of your breast can occur. The implant may not rupture. However, if the implant ruptures, you will see your breast decrease in size dramatically if it is saline filled. A silicone implant rupture takes longer to detect and may require an MRI.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast Implant Breakage From a Seat belt / Breast Trauma After AugmentationCapsules can tear
after augmentation, implants can
break with severe trauma although it is unusual.  Implants are very strong and don’t break easily. Capular tear can result in pain, bruising and distortion of
the shape of the implant.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are concerned re implant rupture the best test is to have a breast MRI and this will identify any leak.

Patti A. Flint, MD · Answer

Depending on the type and age of your implant, the likelihood of rupture during a car accident is low. There is a difference between the capsule rupturing and the implant shell rupturing. If you are concerned, you should see a plastic surgeon. an ultrasound or MRI may be ordered if the trauma to the area was significant.

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

Thank you for your question.  If you have suffered a seat belt injury in a car accident it is important that you see your plastic surgeon for an examination.  The concern is rupture of your breast implant and and MRI is necessary for diagnosis.

What if the capsule bursts under a seat belt during a car accident?

Answers (5)

Answer: Capsular rupture

Answer: Capsular rupture

Answer: Change in breast implant after seatbelt injury requires Dr. exam and MRI

Answer: Change in breast implant after seatbelt injury requires Dr. exam and MRI

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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What if the capsule bursts under a seat belt during a car accident?

Answers (5)

Answer: Capsular rupture

Answer: Capsular rupture

Answer: Change in breast implant after seatbelt injury requires Dr. exam and MRI

Answer: Change in breast implant after seatbelt injury requires Dr. exam and MRI

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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.