Denise Richards does her own stunts, and her breast implants are the proof. According to Richards, her implants “ruptured” while filming the third season of the reality show ‘Special Forces.’
“I jumped off a bridge … and that’s when I ruptured my implants, off of that thing,” Richards revealed on SiriusXM’s Jeff Lewis Live, explaining that the safety harness impact caused damage to both of her implants.
According to Richards, the filming schedule meant she was unable to see a plastic surgeon during December. She’s still waiting to have her ruptured implants removed and replaced.
When host Jeff Lewis asked if the show’s insurance would cover the cost of having her breast implants re-done, Richards said it was unlikely.
“I’ll pay, I’ll have to pay.” Richards explains. “We pretty much signed our lives away during that show. It’s dangerous!”
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test sees celebrities like Denise Richards subjected to trainings led by ex-Special Forces operatives. Harsh environments meet serious physical challenges, and unlike most reality shows, the participants only leave when they give up or as a result of injury. The third season is premiering on FOX Wednesday, January 8, at 8/7c.
Is an Implant Rupture an Emergency?
Generally, no. A ruptured implant is not considered an emergency, though experts recommend removal and replacement as soon as the patient is able. If a patient is pregnant, for example, there is no risk associated with waiting for surgery.
“It’s important to note that implants are not lifetime devices,” says San Diego, CA board certified plastic surgeon Robert Singer, MD. “The longer you have an implant, there is a corresponding rise in the rupture rate.”
That said, in a case like Richards,’ where traumatic injury from the safety harness caused rupture, it’s a good idea to seek medical care.
“Traumatic breast implant rupture can occur with seat belt/shoulder harness during motor vehicle accidents, during mammography, and with objects such as falling on a ski pole,” says Eugene, Oregon board certified plastic surgeon Mark Jewell, MD. “My best advice is for patients with breast implants to seek medical care following breast trauma including a physical examination and imaging study (diagnostic ultrasound or MRI) to determine implant integrity and possible bleeding in the breast tissue.”
Depending on the composition of the implant, you can expect a few outcomes.
“For saline implants, patients might notice an immediate or very quick decrease in size of the breast with the ruptured implant as the body absorbs the saline water,” notes New York plastic surgeon David Shafer, MD. “For silicone implants, patients may notice a change in the shape or less firmness of their breast.”
