American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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GBarden
one year ago
Answered

can a leaking saline implant cause bilateral pleural effusions

Hi I would like to know can a leaking saline implant cause bilateral pleural effusions with can cause mild dependent atelectasis in both lungs?

The implant was injured in a head on car crash.

Procedure: Breast Implant Revision
Location: PINEHURST, NC

Replies 8

Robert Oliver
ASPS Surgeon

No, it's implausible that an implant could produce a pleural space effusion as the spaces are not in continuity.

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Ellis Tavin
ASPS Surgeon
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The brief answer is, “No”. There is no connection between your breasts and your lungs. Seek care from a lung specialist. Good luck m

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Rosa Xachipilli Tolano Godinez
ASPS Int. Surgeon

Hi! the chances of that are almost zero. It it most likely that the accident caused thorax and lungs trauma. Hope you get well soon, and, once recovered from your accident, get those implants removed or exchanged.

Dr. Xachipilli Tolano

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Mark McRae
ASPS Surgeon
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No, but it sounds like you should get worked up by a doctor as there are several medical causes of pleural effusions that need to be investigated.

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Kimberly Marble
ASPS Surgeon

No

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Alfred Antonetti
ASPS Surgeon

NO

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Daniel Allan

The short answer is no. While I presume you will want to have the implant replaced, there is no medical urgency to do so and should await your complete recovery. I have seen implants act as a sort of shock absorber and prevent more serious injury.

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Tanongsak Panyawirunroj
ASPS Int. Surgeon
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The saline implant can leaking or ruptured from a car accident that hit your breast but it very easy diagnosis from imaging please ask your doctor for this topics but bilateral pleural effusions can't be the cause of implants leakage.

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