Can air and fluid build up in the breast pocket 6 months after surgery?

Question

I had a prophylactic double mastectomy 2 years ago. I’ve had 6 revision surgeries since. My last surgery was 7 months ago. My implant flips regularly. I now have a sloshing sound and feel air bubbles in the breast. I’m waiting on an ultrasound but that could take weeks. The breast now feels like it’s full of air and is growing in size substantially. There is a hollow sound when palpated. Is it possible for air to get into the breast pocket? Should I be concerned?

David Branch, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is difficult to answer your question without proper physical exam.  At 6 months it is likely much of your swelling has gone down and you may be feeling/hearing your implant if it is a saline implant that is not fully filled this is more noticeable. Of course, a late seroma (fluid collection ) should be ruled out.  Hope this helps!

Chad Deal, MD · Answer

A fluid pocket or seroma can absolutely build up and be delayed many months or even years from the original surgery. If they don’t resolve on their own or if you’re having any other abnormal symptoms it would be best to have an exploration of the breast pocket. There’s many directions that I can go from there depending on whether or not it’s a benign process or something else. Treatment good range from removing the capsules and replacing the implants all the way to having to leave the implants out to let it heal and re-implant months later. It would depend on the findings in surgery.

Can air and fluid build up in the breast pocket 6 months after surgery?

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Can air and fluid build up in the breast pocket 6 months after surgery?

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