Can deep massage on the upper back cause implants to rupture?

Question

I have under the muscle implants and after the massage which focused on my upper back, I had a burning sensation in my breast and it hasn't subsided since which has been going on for about a day. Could I have a ruptured implant? The massage was pretty deep pressure. My implants are from 2012 and I believe they are the gel kind. If it is a leak, will it be less severe since it is not liquid silicone?

Stan M. Valnicek, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Implant rupture is usually painless.  Your symptoms might indicate  a tear in the capsule around the implant, irritation of one of the nerves running over the implant or something intrinsic to the breast itself.  Generally these symptoms should settle over a week or so with rest, gentle massage and ibuprofen.  If they persist beyond that time, it would be worth a visit to your surgeon and perhaps ultrasound or MRI investigation.  
Modern implants are filled with cohesive gel and tend not to cause the inflammation and scar associated with early generation liquid filled implants.  They are also quite durable and should be able to withstand deep massage.  If the implant is ruptured, it is fairly straightforward to replace and most current manufacturers have a good warranty system that allows that to be done at no cost to you (depending on your surgeon).

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Sadie_Lemon and thank you for your question!  It is unlikely that a deep tissue massage would cause a breast implant rupture but if you are concerned it is always wise to follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation.  If you have silicone gel implants, your surgeon will likely send you for an MRI of the breasts to check the integrity of your breast implants.  If your implant has 'ruptured' or if there is a tear in the shell of your implant, the MRI should pick up on it and you would want to have your implants exchanged for new ones.  I wish you all of the best.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Based on the burst strength of most implants, it is highly unlikely that a massage could cause an implant rupture. However, if you have silicone gel implants and there is concern for a problem, I would recommend you obtain an MRI to evaluate the implants. Better safe than sorry.Good luck!

Isabel Balza, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question,Is very unlikely that its happen after a deep tissue massage, but is very to have in person consultation with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon to talk about your concerns and if the doctor considers run some test. Good luck :)

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I'm sorry to hear about the issues that you have been experiencing. Although it's impossible to say without examining you in person, it's very unlikely that a massage caused your implants to rupture. The most likely cause of the pain could be some stretching of the tissues around your implant. This should get better over the next several days. If you continue to have concerns I would contact your plastic surgeon. They will examine you, and may consider ordering imaging. Again, I think the chance of rupture is low. You are 100% correct that the latest generation of silicone implants are made of a silicone solid, so they do not leak in the way that the old liquid silicone implants use to. This is an important safety feature of the silicone implants that are used today. Hopefully your symptoms away soon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Sadie_Lemon,breast implants are very strong and only a significant amount of force can rupture them so it is unlikely that back massage caused implant rupture. If you are concerned, I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Hello and  thank you for your question  .
Please  don't be panic... It's very unlikely that implant will rupture with deep back message.
Wait. And take pain killer for 3 to 5 days and watch.
Still pain persist. You  should consult a board certified  plastic surgeon .
Best of luck 
 Dr Milan Doshi  .
Mumbai

Nicholas A. Flugstad, MD · Answer

The shell around implants is quite strong. It's unlikely that a massage would cause enough pressure to cause a rupture. Things like motor vehicle crash or a bad fall have enough force and energy to cause a rupture. The burning sensation may just be sensitivity after the pressure of the massage. See your plastic surgeon for an exam if this continues to bother you. In person exam, and possibly imaging, are the way to see what is going on. And you are correct, more cohesive gel implants like gummy bears hold the gel together in the unlikely event of a rupture.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

In my experience this is not something I've seen in my practice or in my training.  I would never say never, but I'd say it's probably very unlikely.  Implants age and rupture over time.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Check with your surgeon for an examRupture is possible but not likely.Newer implants are better if there is a ruptureAn MRI may be needed.

Can deep massage on the upper back cause implants to rupture?

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