Air in breast cavity after explant, is this normal?

Question

I am 9 days post op and I feel air in my breast cavity that moves when I move my arm up and down. Doesn't hurt, but I can feel and hear it. Can this air be aspirated (like liquid would be) or is the best route to wait for it to be reabsorbed? How long should this take? Does air retention pose harm? My Surgeon is aware and working with me - I am just antsy and searching for opinions. Thank you.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

It will be resorbed.  At this point it is too early to worry about and sticking a needle in the space is not needed.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello chelskam You may hear and feel “sloshing” in your breast after surgery. This is not the implant! It is the air that is trapped in the space around the implant and the natural fluid that accumulates after an operation. The body will absorb it within a few weeks. #air #post-op

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Noises coming from the breast cavity after explant are quite normal. It takes a while for the pocket to collapse and heal.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for there to be air pockets after this type of surgery.  They are generally handled by the body without incident over time.  Continue to follow the advice of your surgeon.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, it is normal to have some air in the pocket for several days after surgery.  The air is not harmful.  Gradually your body will absorb the air and there is no need to aspirate it.  As always, continue with the post operative recommendations of your plastic surgeon

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may notice and hear some air, but it will slowly absorb. It does not need to be removed, and can occur with any procedure.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

What you are experiencing is quite normal and not harmful. It is very likely that you will no longer experience the air in the space within the next few days. Continue close follow-up with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Richard Sadove, MD · Answer

Good that you are going to you doc re this. It is best to continue, as I would agree.All wounds have air in them for a period of time up to 2 weeks.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

This is very normal.  All wounds have air and can last up to 2 weeks.  Your body will take care of this for you.

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