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

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.