Five years post implants, sloshing sound in breasts - what could cause this?

Question

I’ve had my implants for over five years, and recently I’ve started hearing a sloshing, water-like sound when I move. Everything else seems normalthey look and feel fine, but the noise is worrying me. What could be causing this?

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Without an exam, it is impossible to say for certain. While this is unlikely to be a reason for immediate concern, in-person evaluation is recommended.

However, asymptomatic "sloshing" can have a number of sources:
-Saline implants - The sound of a saline fill can be heard. Underfilled devices can create audible "sloshing." This would be noted from the beginning. However, often this can be a harbinger of a compromised/leaking implant as the escaping saline fill has more space to move within the pocket. This would be accompanied by a gradual loss of volume.

-Peri-prosthetic fluid (fluid around the implant) - There are many reasons for fluid around the implant. Depending on the source, this may or may not be a reason for concern.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Do you have silicone or saline implants?  Saline implants tend to give more of a slashing effect.  It seems like you should consider seeing your plastic surgeon to make sure there is no fluid around the implant.  They may be able to figure this out on examination or you may even need an ultrasound.  Either way, it probably is not something you would have to immediately worry about.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear daniellerae93,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Sean Hill, MD · Answer

Answer from Dr. Sean Hill, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at Lone Star Plastic Surgery – Frisco, TX:
Great question, and one that can sound a bit alarming when you first notice it! The sloshing or gurgling noise you’re describing is not uncommon, and in many cases, it’s not a sign of anything dangerous, but let’s break it down.
⸻

Jacob Carlson, MD · Answer

Do you have silicone or saline implants? If you have saline implants, you may just be hearing the saline solution within the implant; or the implant may have ruptured. Normally when that happens, the saline leaks out, and your body just reabsorbs the saline, but over the course of time, you would notice that breast decreasing in size as more saline leaks out.
Another possibility with either saline or silicone implants is fluid developing around the implant. I would recommend following up with your plastic surgeon to be evaluated. If he/she has an ultrasound machine, that can usually be done right there in the office, which would be a quick and easy way to evaluate for fluid around the implant.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation.  There are a few things that could cause new sounds from the breasts and the cause is often not medically concerning.  It could be sloshing from saline implants or potentially fluid around the implant.  If needed your surgeon can perform an ultrasound to check the integrity of your implants.

Five years post implants, sloshing sound in breasts - what could cause this?

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