23 Jun Breast Implants Save Woman’s Life
Most women would say that breast augmentation enhanced or changed their life—but in this case, a breast implant actually saved a woman’s life. Breast augmentation, which includes the placement of breast implants, is one of the most popular procedures at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, although few patients seek breast implants as a life-saving decision. A recent article in SAGE Medical Journal detailed how a silicone breast implant deflected a bullet when a 30-year-old woman was shot at close range.
The incident happened in Toronto in 2018, and surprisingly joins a small number of similar instances in which breast implants proved to be life-saving. However, this case is especially unique because it’s the first time a silicone breast implant saved the day. Silicone and saline breast implants are both popular options, but many women are increasingly opting for silicone because of its natural feel and because in the rare occurrence that there’s a rupture or leak (say, caused by a gunshot) it generally maintains its shape unlike a saline implant. Of course, if any type of breast implant is damaged, it’s important to see your surgeon immediately.
Silicone Breast Implants for the Win
The two kinds of breast implants approved in the US both have a silicone shell. However, “silicone” breast implants are also filled with a silicone gel. The exact shell thickness can vary, as can the texture, shape, and size. Patients learn more about which breast implant is right for them during their consultation.
The exact details of the shooting haven’t been released, but according to the surgeon who treated the gunshot victim, the woman simply walked into the ER. The surgeon says, “She was talking—the trauma team was in disbelief at how well she was.” What was even more curious was how the bullet responded once it hit the victim. It entered on the left breast, ricocheted on the sternum and hit the right breast where it broke a right rib. The surgeon cites the breast implant as changing the direction of the bullet so that it caused relatively limited damage. “On the left-hand side are the heart and lungs,” the surgeon explained. “If the bullet would have gone into the chest, she would have had a much more serious, possibly life-threatening injury.”
Breast Augmentation to the Rescue
Both implants were damaged, but besides the broken rib the woman was largely doing just fine when she strolled into the ER. There, medics discovered the bullet stuck in the thoracic wall under the right breast. Trauma radiographs were used to find the bullet, along with the broken rib and air bubbles.
ER doctors removed the implants, flushed out the wound, and prescribed antibiotics. There has been no update on who shot the woman and the gun has not been recovered. There’s also been no update on whether or not the woman saw her cosmetic surgeon for new breast implants.
Changing Your Breast Implants
Breast implants can last for several years, but it’s not unusual for a woman to want to change the size, shape, location, or type of breast implants in the future. Changing breast implants is a very similar procedure to the initial breast augmentation. Sometimes a woman might opt for a breast lift at the same time, particularly if her chest skin has become lax due to age, pregnancy, nursing, or weight fluctuations. The placement of the breast implant can also make a difference, especially if the patient is changing her implants from being on top of the chest muscles to below them. Placing breast implants below the muscles can offer a more natural look, but is of course more invasive.
If you’re thinking about getting “new” breast implants—whether it’s because you just survived a bout in a Wild West shootout or for less fantastical reasons—you deserve to have only the “Top Doc” in Scottsdale taking care of you. The same is true for first-time breast augmentation patients or anyone interested in breast reduction surgery or a breast lift. Contact Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center at (480) 282-8386 and schedule your consultation today.