Squeaking breasts in high elevation?

Question

I went to Colorado over the holidays and simply walking around caused my boobs to literally squeak. I asked my surgeon about it and they had never heard of it. I have silicone implants, the brand is Sientra. Any thoughts or experiences?

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

I've heard of this and seen this. Sometimes early on before the capsule has been fully established the implants can squeak a little. This is basically the dry implant pocket rubbing on the dry surface of the implant. It will go away once the soft scar tissue has formed around the breast implant.

Kenneth Sumida, MD · Answer

It is very common to hear squeaks after a smooth shell silicone or saline breast augmentation.    It is usually disappears after about 4 months.

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

We don't totally understand why changes in altitude, whether going skiing in the mountains or flying on planes, should cause changes in breast implants physically, because we usually think of air filled cavities, like the lungs, sinuses, or middle ear spaces, as being more sensitive to pressure changes, at least within the ranges that most people inhabit on earth or in airplanes, and neither the implants nor the tissues have air in them.  This happens very commonly though, and every year we have a few ladies call us or come in because they felt or heard something unusual in their breasts at altitude that went away when they returned to sea level.  My own personal thought is that there probably is some gaseous, or other, component of the silicone rubber that can undergo very subtle changes with pressure, and this can be detected by some patients.  We can also detect movement of the implants against tissue irregularities, and this can create vibrations that we feel or detect as sounds, like squeaking.  In summary, what you are describing is very common, and in the absence of any other problems with your implants, and provided that everything returns to normal a lower elevations, this should be nothing to worry about.  If, on the other hand, you do have a concern about your implants, it is always best to pay a quick visit to your surgeon so that he or she can personally evaluate you and make sure everything is OK.  Good luck.

Jason Brett Lichten, MD · Answer

Hearing or feeling some changes in the implants in elevation is not uncommonly reported.  It is nothing to worry about and should not cause any problems.

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

Dear beespectacular11,This is so common here in Colorado that I warn all patients having implant surgery that if they change elevation it might occur. There is absolutely nothing to worry about, and you certainly didn't imagine it. I wish I had seen this post earlier to help alleviate your concerns. I hope you enjoyed your stay!

Squeaking breasts in high elevation?

Answers (6)

Answer: Nothing to worry about

Answer: Nothing to worry about

Answer: Welcome to the Mile High City

Answer: Welcome to the Mile High City

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

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

Squeaking breasts in high elevation?

Answers (6)

Answer: Nothing to worry about

Answer: Nothing to worry about

Answer: Welcome to the Mile High City

Answer: Welcome to the Mile High City

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

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