Vibrating "Bourdonnement" 3 Years After Breast Augmentation Surgery

I had a breast augmentation procedure 3yrs ago w/cohesive gel implants. I've recently started to experience bourdonnement-vibrating/buzzing/humming in L breast-almost feels like bubbles rising. Apparently normal during post-op period, but normal 3 yrs later, all of the sudden? Mammogram a few months ago was WNL. Could the implant be bottoming out? Trauma due to overzealous boyfriend, maybe? (I hope they're not that fragile). Something more serious?? Nothing serious?? Just tell me I'm not going to end up with an embolism. They look awesome-if I do say so myself-no rippling or anything, but these symptoms are a bit unnerving

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by EG in ct

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Bourdonnement is described in the plastic surgery literature.

Your implant sliding against the stretched moist tissues causes a friction rub (sound) that can be felt as well as occasionally heard. This is termed "bourdonnement" and was definitively described in the plastic surgery literature: "Bourdonnement and other benign temporary breast implant sounds", Annals of Plastic Surgery, Vol 43 p589, 1999. When this occurs this long after surgery, the sound is not related to the incompletely-healed and still-inflamed tissues. It may... more

Vibrating left breast implant: tramsmitted pulse?

I have never heard of this before. However, it sounds sufficiently serious that I would not ignore the symptoms. It could be a sign of a more serious underlying disorder such as the transmitted pulse of atrial fibrillation or premature ventricular contractions. This may require cardiac evaluation. Discuss your findings with your plastic surgeon, internist, gynecologist and cardiologist.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation Long Term concerns

Breast Augmentation is one of the most commonly performed procedures and generally, patients are very satisfied. In Canada, we have been in a position to offer primary breast augmentation with cohesive gel implants for many years. Although Breast Augmentation patients are generally very satisfied, it also a procedure where long term complication and side effects can arise. Fluid collections within a pseudo capsule, hardening, rotation, pain and discomfort amongst others are all... more

Vibrations are NOT commonly felt 3 years AFTER Breast Augmentation

Not sure why you picked a French word to describe it but vibrations/buzzing may be felt with inner ear problems but I have NEVER encountered this in my training nor in my many years in Plastic Surgery. Moreover, not sure why you bring up the topic of an embolism as it is unheard of to have DVT / embolism appear 3 years after surgery much less heralded by sensory vibrations.

Bourdonnement - great word!

You must be a music aficionado - this is an unfamiliar term in the realm of breast surgery- but your description is interesting. I have read that sub-muscular implants can move across prominent ribs and create noises from within the breast - but I've never met a patient that reports this. If you breasts looks and feel terrific, there is probably not an issue.

What is "bourdonnement" anyway?

After 25 years of breast surgery I thought I'd heard it all...but I have never heard of this term. What does it mean? With regards to your concerns, it isn't normal to have the sensation of fluid around an implant years after surgery. A delayed seroma can occur and should be evaluated by a plastic surgeon.

Questional sounds or sensations in your breast??

I would have to say that I don't know what you mean when you say "bourdonnement-vibrating/buzzing/humming". I cannot think of any reason whay a humming sound could be made, especially if there is no movement going on in the breast itself. It's great that you are so happy with how they look but I would recommend a follow-up visit with your plastic surgeon to allay your anxiety. I hope this helps. Dr Edwards