Citations 1
The Protective Effect of Breast Implants in Penetrating Trauma
Pannucci, Christopher J., Kurnik, Nicole M. , Brzezienski, Mark A., Rebecca, Alanna M. , Higdon, Kent
Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum | February 27, 2019 | Volume: 1 | Issue: 1 | Pages: No page available
Abstract Breast implants are typically placed for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes, and are recognized to have a substantial impact on aesthetics and quality of life. In addition, the presence of a breast implant on the chest wall has a potential benefit of force diffusion or force absorption in traumatic injury. This article reports a series of three patients with preexisting breast implants who suffered penetrating chest trauma. In each case, the presence of a breast implant was potentially lifesaving. We describe the cases in detail, provide a conceptual discussion, and discuss directions for future research. Level of Evidence: 5