For decades, breast augmentation has been in the top five of all cosmetic surgeries performed, and experts estimate that more than 5 million women in the United States have breast implants, which is roughly 1 in every 26 females. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for breast implants to become damaged in a car accident.
Implants can be damaged or displaced as a result of trauma from the seatbelt, a deploying airbag or from striking something within the vehicle such as the steering wheel, seatback or dash. If a breast implant is damaged, it can leak. Typically, saline implants leak much quicker than silicone and so the problem will be noticed much quicker than a silicone leak - usually within a few days.
Breast implants can also be displaced as a result of the car accident. Doctors use different terms for each type of displacement. Displacement toward the arm is called lateral displacement. Displacement toward the other breast is called symmastia. Downward displacement is referred to as bottoming out, and an upward movement of the implant is called high riding. While a leak may take some time to notice, displacement tends to be obvious immediately following an accident.
Finally, trauma from a car accident can cause a condition referred to as capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is when the breast tissue around the implant becomes unusually dense and hard. A capsular contracture can produce long-term pain and distortion of the shape of the breast.
If you have breast implants and were involved in an accident that resulted in your airbags deploying, your chest striking something within the vehicle or your body being restrained tightly by the seatbelt, you should see a doctor to determine if your breast implants have been damaged.
