I feel an air bubble in my left boob. Is that possible?

Question

I do not have any pics because you can't really see it. But I can feel it. I have saline implants for almost 2 years now.For the past week I have felt an air bubble on my left boob on the top next to my nipple. Is that normal?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

This Is perfectly normal and will disappear in the next few weeks. It is from air and fluid (irrigation, local anesthetic, serum, etc) in the pocket which will be naturally absorbed over time.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like you are feeling the edge of the implant.  If the pocket is changing shape due to capsular contracture, you could be feeling an implant fold.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Which are probably feeling is the shell of the implant giving way as you generate pressure. Subcutaneous air can be present for a few days after an operation but never after that.

Aras Tijunelis, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that someone can feel an air bubble.  It is possible to feel the edge or a "bubble" of the implant itself.  It can seem to pop in and out in an area of thin skin.   A personal exam by a plastic surgeon should be able to give you a more accurate answer.  Good luck.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

When saline implants are used for breast augmentation the implant is filled at the time of surgery.  Normally care is taken to evacuate all of the air in the implant at the time of surgery.  For several days after the operation there is normally some air and fluid in the pocket surrounding your implant.  The combination of the air and fluid may create a "sloshing" sound or feel.  After a few days the air and fluid is absorbed and this phenomena goes away.  If you are noticing something unusual 2 years postoperatively and is very likely not an "air bubble".  It is possible that you have develop some thinning of the overlying tissues and you are actually feeling the edge of the implant.  It would be best for you to be examined by your surgeon to help make the proper diagnosis.  Good luck.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

years out from surgery is not normal... but is also unlikely to be serious.  See your surgeon or find another local surgeon who you can see and who can tell you what is happening.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

You do not have an air bubble in your implant. You are feeling a fold or ripple in the implant shell which is very common long-term with saline breast implants.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

It seems like you are feeling either an edge of the implant or the implant valve.  Please see your plastic surgeon so that he/she can examine you in person.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

You are either feeling a fold in the saline implant shell or you are feeling the fill valve of the implant.I would check with your plastic surgeon, let him / her feel the breast and or implant to determine what you are feeling.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Delio Ortegon, MD · Answer

It sounds like you are feeling some motion or folding of the implant shell.  You should see your PS to assess it and be sure you are not losing saline.

I feel an air bubble in my left boob. Is that possible?

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