Is it normal at high altitudes to have air bubbles in implant pocket?

Question

I live in Oklahoma and this weekend drove to redriver new Mexico skiing and noticed when I arrived I have like air bubbles bad like gurgling moving air pockets around my implants after removing my bra for bed. I’ve had em for two year 575 textured silicone above muscle. No pain just embarrassing noise. Like someone’s stomach grumbling or full.

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question. This usually doesn't happen after 2 years and altitude should not cause air bubbles to be present in the implant pocket.  There are may patients that fly in airplanes that obviously go much higher.  You may have had some trauma with skiing.  It would be best to make an appointment to see your plastic surgeon for an examination.  Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

Thank you for your intriguing question.  The most common time that women notice hearing sloshing sounds or air bubbles is immediately after a breast augmentation with saline implants, especially if a small amount of air is left with the saline in an implant (with time it will absorb and go away).  However, you have silicone implants and no real reason to hear a sloshing sound unless you were to have traumatized a breast and have some fluid/blood collected around the implant, but you would notice bruising, soreness, and potentially a size difference.  The altitude you were exposed to is roughly the same air pressure as that of an airplane cabin at 36000 feet.  Thousands of women with breast implants are exposed to this daily during the course of air travel and do not develop air pockets around the implants.  You may have to have a plastic surgeon, preferably your original surgeon, take a look to make sure nothing is wrong with your breasts and implants, but you may also have to see your primary care doc to dig deeper and look for other causes if the problem persists.  Best of luck!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Unlikely for altitude to cause air bubbles. When concerned, always best to have an in person evaluation by your surgeon.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and AuthorRealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi PriscillaArthur, 
  
I understand your concern. However, it is difficult to provide you with an accurate answer to your question with online consult. It is best that you visit a board certified plastic surgeon, so you can be properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Is it normal at high altitudes to have air bubbles in implant pocket?

Answers (4)