Why do I feel and hear air bubbles in my implant cavities while at high altitudes?

Dear cassidy33m,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Except in specialized cavities like our sinuses and lungs, air is absorbed into our tissues and disappears. You may be experiencing some other sensations. If you experience pain at any point, you should certainly have it checked. Otherwise, you are probably okay and do not have to worry about this.

What you are describing is most often related to small amounts of air that can be trapped in the implant pocket during surgery. In most cases this air is absorbed within the first few months after augmentation, which is why you often read that the sensation goes away by six months.
If you are still feeling or even hearing this 2.5 years later, it is unlikely to be actual air bubbles. More common explanations include subtle movement of the implant within its pocket, friction between the capsule and implant, or even normal chest wall sounds that you notice more in certain positions.
This is usually harmless, but because it is persisting longer than expected, an in person exam and possibly imaging would be helpful to rule out pocket issues or implant related changes.
Most of the time it is not a dangerous problem, but having your surgeon or a breast specialist take a look will give you peace of mind
— Güray Yesiladali, MD

Thanks for sharing your experience — your question is both smart and very valid. It’s understandable that you’d be concerned about something like this, especially since it’s unusual and persistent well beyond the typical healing period. Some patients report air or fluid sounds ("sloshing," "gurgling," or "popping") after breast augmentation. This is usually harmless and occurs due to small pockets of air or fluid trapped in the implant pocket (especially when submuscular implants are involved).

Normally, these resolve within a few months, but in rare cases, they can persist — particularly with textured implants, submuscular placement, or slightly loose pockets. When you're at higher altitudes, the air pressure drops. This can cause any small, residual air or gas bubbles to expand slightly — just like how chip bags puff up on an airplane or in the mountains. The sensation you’re describing could be amplified at elevation, even if the air is normally not noticeable at sea level.

Hello,
Thank you for reaching me out.
At 2.5 years post-op, feeling or hearing “bubbles” in your breast implants at high altitudes is uncommon but usually not harmful. If you’re not experiencing pain, swelling, or changes in breast shape, it’s likely benign. However, given the time since surgery, it’s wise to consult your plastic surgeon for a physical exam and possibly an ultrasound or MRI to rule out any complications.

Thank you for your question. After breast augmentation, there may be some small "pockets" of air or fluid within the implant cavity. These are mostly benign and if there are no changes in the shape, pain, or swelling, there is no need to worry. However, if you are, discussing these things with your surgeon is the first step, and there may be imaging such as an ultrasound or MRI involved afterward. Good luck on your journey!