01/29/2026
Can a patient cause a breast implant to “pop”?
Most implant ruptures don’t happen suddenly or randomly. They usually develop over time. That said, certain patient-related factors can increase stress on an implant and raise the risk of rupture.
Things that can contribute:
Ignoring early warning signs
Hardness, tightness, pain, or shape changes can signal capsular contracture. Delaying evaluation allows pressure to build.
Smoking
Smoking interferes with healing and increases scar tissue formation, which can worsen capsular contracture.
Significant chest trauma
Car accidents, sports injuries, or direct impact to the chest can damage an already stressed implant.
Extreme or repetitive chest strain
Heavy weightlifting or intense chest workouts too soon after surgery can place extra stress on the implant.
Skipping follow-up care
Routine checkups help catch issues early—missing them removes an important safety net.
Waiting too long to address aging implants
Implants aren’t lifetime devices. The longer they’re in place, the higher the risk of failure.
What usually does not cause implants to pop:
Normal exercise after healing
Sleeping positions
Hugging, pressure from daily life, or routine movement
The takeaway
Patients don’t usually “cause” an implant to rupture on their own. Most issues develop slowly and are influenced by both the body’s response and time. Paying attention to changes, avoiding smoking, and maintaining regular follow-up care can significantly reduce risk.
If something feels off, early evaluation matters.