Do i have to be careful of impact to my chest after a breast augmentation? is it possible for breast implants to burst if something hit them, or if i were to trip and fall?

The : The suspected mechanisms of breast implant rupture are: damage during implantation, the chemical degradation of the implant’s shell, blunt chest trauma, penetrating chest trauma, and, infrequently, the mechanical pressure common to traditional mammographic breast examination. Although implants can remain intact in a woman’s body for decades, they are a limited-life (years-long) class iii medical devices. Studies of women with saline implants report a 3 year rupture-deflation rate of 3–5 per cent, and 10-year rupture-deflation rates of 7–10 per cent. When a silicone gel breast implant ruptures it usually does not deflate and the silicone is confined within the capsule. Most women present to the office with a rupture due to unkown causes. It is my opinion that most of these ruptures are due to fold fatigue. Implants, in particular, saline implants tend to form small folds or ripples. These regions may fold back and forth. And, like bending a paperclip multiple times, it will eventually break.

It : It is very unlikely for breast implants to "fail" or rupture from a trip and fall or contact sports. In fact most cases of implant failure are not associated with any identifiable trauma. Saline failure is more obvious as the implant collapses more readily, whereas silicone gel- filled implant failure may be harder to detect. If an implant fails, there is no emergency but after consultation with a plastic surgeon an appropriate plan for removal with or without replacement can be formulated.

Breast : Breast implants made with today's standards should be very durable and the manufacturers that distribute in the U.S. Have a lifetime replacement policy that applies regardless of the cause of the damage to the implant, whether just wearing out over time or direct injury. You should not have to take special precautions about impact to the chest beyond what would make sense without implants.

Protect the breasts!: It is always a good idea to avoid trauma to your body, especially the breasts. Impact to the chest can lead to bleeding, fat necrosis and calcifications within the breast tissue, which may require further work-up. As far as breaking the implants, it is difficult to do so, and requires a large amount of force for a traumatic leak to occur.

Saline or silicone?: Saline implants will deflate if they are ruptured. That is one of the benefits of saline implants. If you had silicone and suspected a rupture, you would have to go for imaging. In either case a single episode of trauma is highly unlikely to cause an implant rupture, although it is possible. Repeated folding or crinkling is a far more likely cause.

Implants are strong: Breast implants are currently very well made and strong. They can withstand great forces and remain intact. There are female boxers with implants, and athletes such as soccer goalies who dive onto their chests without rupturing their implants. Trauma may lead to implant rupture, but you should be able to participate in the activities you like.

Breast Implants Strong: In general all new breast implants are now made of highly cohesive silicone gel in the United States. You should not have to worry nor restrict your activities. Trauma can of course break bones and for that matter implants too. https://pacificcenterplasticsurgery.com/procedures/breast/augmentation/.

Somewhat: It would take a very large blunt force to cause implant rupture. For example a car accident could do it. Routine bumps and bruises should be fine. Take care of them just like you would the rest of your body.