Vibrating "Bourdonnement" 3 Years After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Question

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

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

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 well indicate some new source of inflammation, possibly related to a moderate trauma to the breast tissues, perhaps secondary to bacterial contamination such as from dental work (controversial, but still a real occurrence). The inflammation that causes this sound has nothing to do with "bottoming-out" but could indeed be due to a severely overzealous breast manipulation!

	You are either very good at research or have some medical background, since a friction rub heard on chest auscultation with a stethescope can be associated with a pulmonary embolus from DVT. Bourdonnement alone without any other symptoms (leg pain, swelling, shortness of breath) is NOT worrisome.  

	Ibuprofen or Celebrex (prescription) anti-inflammatory medications are a good starting point. If you begin to notice firmness or soreness in the "noisy" breast, this could be an early sign of capsular contracture. See your surgeon for evaluation and consideration of a course of Accolate or Singulair and Vitamin E. Best wishes!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

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.

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

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.

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Vibrating "Bourdonnement" 3 Years After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Answers (7)

Answer: Vibrations are NOT commonly felt 3 years AFTER Breast Augmentation

Answer: Vibrations are NOT commonly felt 3 years AFTER Breast Augmentation

Answer: Questional sounds or sensations in your breast??

Answer: Questional sounds or sensations in your breast??

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Vibrating "Bourdonnement" 3 Years After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Answers (7)

Answer: Vibrations are NOT commonly felt 3 years AFTER Breast Augmentation

Answer: Vibrations are NOT commonly felt 3 years AFTER Breast Augmentation

Answer: Questional sounds or sensations in your breast??

Answer: Questional sounds or sensations in your breast??

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.