Is It Normal to Feel Vibrating, Gurgling, or Bubbling from my Breast After a Submuscular Breast Augmentation?

Question

it almost feels as if the implant is moving down to settle in the pocket, is this normal and if so, how long should I expect this?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Air and fluid normally persist around the implants for up to two to three weeks which may create unusual sounds such as crackling, crunching, gurgling, squeaking, bubbling, vibrating and can even create the sensation of rice crispies under the skin.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for patients to have unusual sensations
in their breasts following breast augmentation surgery. In many cases, this is
related to residual air and fluid that’s present within the breast implant
pocket. Under these circumstances, movement of the implant within the pocket
can cause the sensation of squeaking, gurgling, and bubbling.

This sensation tends to improve as fluid and air resorb.
In addition, formation of a capsule around the implant also helps to minimize
this phenomena. In the majority of cases resolution occurs in one to two weeks.

If you’re concerned about this phenomena, it’s important to have a discussion with your plastic
surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to alleviate your anxiety regarding this
issue.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

This sensation is normal after sub muscular augmentation.  Not all patients experience, but it is not in any way dangerous.  It will go away over a period of months.

Ankit Desai, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to hear strange noises after breast augmentation surgery and can be related to a small amount of fluid around the breast implants. This in generally absorbed during the first 4 -6 weeks after your breast augmentation surgery.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

After surgery, fluid and air can accumulate in the breast pocket leading to some unusual sound and sensations.  They are self-limited and are uaually gone in a couple of weeks.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very common after breast augmentation to hear strange gurgling or sloshing noises after breast augmentation--especially after saline implant augmentation.   As the implants settle and the capsule forms, these noises generally go away but they can be alarming to someone who has just had surgery. 

	I would ask your Plastic Surgeon about this the next time you see him/her for your own peace of mind.  I see this in some of my patients but not as commonly since I tend to prefer silicone implants. 

	I hope this helps!

Paul Fortes, MD · Answer

When a patient experiences sounds from the breasts, often it is
early in the recovery period from breast augmentation surgery.  This is normal and is a reflection of some of
the irrigation fluid that has remained in the breast pocket.  Over a short time this irrigation fluid
becomes absorbed, and the sounds go away. 
Your situation is different in that the timing is 13 months post-op.   Fluid in the breast pocket is still likely
the reason for these sounds. However, newly accumulated fluid in a breast
pocket over a year after surgery is called a delayed seroma and should be
investigated.  A breast ultrasound can
confirm the diagnosis of seroma.  Delayed
seromas are associated in the majority of cases with having textured gel
implants.  Delayed seromas can also be
associated with a rare implant-associated cancer called anaplastic large cell
lymphoma.  I would suggest following-up
with your original plastic surgeon so that he/she can evaluate you for these
new symptoms.

Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD, FACS · Answer

For concerns post operatively I would consult with your plastic surgeon. However, sounds of air and fluid are normal shortly after a breast augmentation.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

What you are describing is quite commonly described after breast surgery. The sensation of air trapped in the tissues is also commonly described. However, any significant increase in swelling/size would be of concern.

Best wishes.

Best wishes.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

There is air in your tissues around the implant after augmentation - it can be normal to feel crackling or hear some noises. This will resolve over the first few weeks. If you have more swelling or fluid see your plastic surgeon.

Is It Normal to Feel Vibrating, Gurgling, or Bubbling from my Breast After a Submuscular Breast Augmentation?

Answers (19)

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