Is a 4 week BA post op “Air bubble” normal? Went from saline to silicone.

Question

I got my saline implants removed 4 weeks ago. I now have silicone implants. Today I randomly noticed what feels like an air bubble under the incision sight on my left side. I can feel the implant capsule, I think that’s what it is? 570 to 650 silicone. Is this normal? My doctors assistant said it was but I don’t know. I feel like it’s been 4 weeks. Shouldn’t I have felt this earlier on? Will this go away? Please help!!!

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Air trapped inside the breast implant pocket after a breast augmentation is completely normal.  However, these tend to resorb relatively quickly and rarely felt after 2 weeks.Feeling what you think is an air bubble under an incision may, in fact, be deep sutures placed by your surgeon to take the tension off the suture line, i.e. give you a thinner scar.  These sutures normally are dissolvable and they very often grasp a great deal of tissue leading to a small lump that could be miscontrued as an air bubble. Obviously. an in person exam would be the best way to diagnose your problem.  However, none of your comments indicate any form of emergency.  I highly recommend at this point you request your personal plastic surgeon's assistant to set up an office visit between you and your plastic surgeon so that he or she can diagnose the problem, and either treat it or put your mind at ease.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. In the post-op period, it is not unusual to have fluid or air trapped in the pocket, but this usually resolves within a few days. If you are 1 month out from surgery and concerned about fluid or air in the pocket, I would suggest you contact your surgeon for an evaluation.Best of luck!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,What you’re describing is the actual implant, not air. You cannot feel air, but you can sometimes hear gurgling shortly after surgery. You need to see your surgeon, not his assistant. Best of luck!

Robert P. Schmid, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Yes, it is perfectly normal to have an air bubble sensation a few weeks after breast implant exchange: sometimes a little air gets trapped in the implant pocket. Your body should easily resorb this within the next few weeks. If it doesn’t go away soon, contact your plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you!

Thomas S. Taylor, FACS · Answer

It is very common to have small amounts of air trapped in the implant pocket when an initial augmentation procedure is done or an during implant exchange. It will slowly resorb and go away completely, usually within a few weeks.  The other thing you may be feeling is the implant itself. Oftentimes when patients with small natural breasts have larger implants placed they can feel the edge of the implant, usually on the underside of the breast along the crease. Sometimes this does not become apparent until swelling starts to resolve. Both of these issues are insignificant and common. Rely on the advice of your surgeon. Best of luck!Thomas Taylor, MD, FACS

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear monicatran84,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. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

you need to see your surgeon NOW... as it can be salvaged as long as your incision does not open up spontaneously (which it can if progressive).  You cannot feel air but you may have sloshing gurgling noises that can occur in the pocket from the fluid working its way around the implant within the pocket.  If you see something translucent in your incision, see your surgeon NOW (and no one else).

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I would have to evaluate you in person but I am guessing that you may be feeling your implant in the lower pole.

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

While it is not uncommon to have some air trapped in the pocket at the time of augmentation or implant exchange, it usually is resorbed by 4 weeks, and it is usually not experienced as a focal "air bubble."  What you are feeling may be normal and may be related to the edge of the implant, but I would discuss the matter directly with your surgeon.  Hope your recovery otherwise is progressing well.

Is a 4 week BA post op “Air bubble” normal? Went from saline to silicone.

Answers (9)

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