Air in Chest Cavity After Augmentation, Should I Be Concerned?

Question

I am 17 days post-op. I noticed it immediately after surgery but assumed it would be absorbed or something to that effect. Now I have begun to massage my breasts and realize it is still there. I can feel it and it makes a noise when it moves around.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

This Is perfectly normal and will disappear in the next few weeks. It is from air and fluid (irrigation, local anesthetic, serum, etc) in the pocket which will be naturally absorbed over time.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The presence of free air within the
chest cavity is a potentially life threatening situation.This condition is known as a pneumothorax and
may require surgical intervention. Fortunately,
the symptoms that you describe are most likely related to fluid and air within
the breast implant pocket.This
situation commonly occurs in the immediate post-operative period in patients
who have undergone breast augmentation. They
typically note a sloshing, squeaking or gurgling sound as the implant moves
around the pocket.This gradually
resolves over the course of time as the fluid and air are reabsorbed.This usually occurs in 4-6 weeks without any
intervention.If
you’re concerned about this sensation, consultation with your plastic surgeon
is appropriate.Your plastic surgeon
should be able to address your concerns and alleviate your anxiety.

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

give it time.  many people hear a sloshing sound or some crunchiness after augmentation. it will go away  . be patient.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Air in the tissue that you can feel, like crackling bubbles, is common and resolves slowly over time. Unless you are short of breath, I would accept this as normal. Air in the pocket around the implant can cause strange noises. This is also common and will resolve over time.....not to worry. All the best, "Dr. Joe" Gryskiewicz

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Most likely you are hearing and/or feeling some residual air in the breast pocket (technically different than the chest cavity) which is common and can takes several weeks to resolve.  It is fairly common and should stop on its own in the near future.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

Because surgery is done in room air, it's normal for air to get trapped inside. The body slowly absorbs it. Double check with your plastic surgeon to be sure that's what's going on, however.For advice during early recovery after plastic surgery, click on the link below.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Most definitely, if the air is truly in the chest cavity. You would only know this by having an x-ray or someone listening to your chest with a stethoscope. You probably have air in the breast cavity, which is entirely different. It is normal for there to be some air and crunchiness for the first few weeks. Do not worry. This will subside with time. Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Subcutaneous air occurs during the pocket dissection. This small amount of air is usually absorbed in a few weeks.

Antonio Gayoso, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to feel what my patients sometimes call 'crunching noises' around their breast region after breast augmentation. This is from the surgical procedure and is harmless and will correct itself over several weeks after surgery. Be sure to follow-up with your surgeon and point this out if it persists.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

It is possible that a small amount of air is trapped inside the saline breast implant after your augmentation, and is will disappear over time. Air around implants will stay only a very few days before it dissolves into the tissue.

	Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Air in Chest Cavity After Augmentation, Should I Be Concerned?

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