What is the Clicking Noise I Am Hearing/feeling when Massaging Post BA?

Question

I'm 5 weeks post op breast augmentation saline, under the muscle; while I massage my breasts I feel and hear a clicking type of noise at the base of the breast and to the side. I wonder if my implants are getting contracted, is this scar tissue? feels like soft plastic covering the implant and it's more proeminent on the right side than the left. Do I need to worry at this point? breasts move nicely in pocket, feel comfortable, soft.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Most likely what you are hearing is the presence of air and/or fluid around the implant. The sounds tend to dissipate after a few weeks. You do not describe any  concerning signs or symptoms.

	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.

Steven M. Lynch, MD · Answer

Hi,

	  I do not agree that this is air/fluid considering that you are out 5 weeks now.

	  Saline implants have a tendency to ripple or wrinkle.  Sometimes, in the soft breast, one can feel a clicking of the shell of the implant in any area that tends to have a fold.  It is weird to feel but it is not something to worry about.  I would put my vote on this being the issue.

	  Stay close to your ps to get the answers in your case and all will be good.  If it is the rippling effect, then you will have to accept it (as seen in your consent forms) but there are options to treat it if it is too annoying.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Wihtout an exam, it is difficult to say what the clicking noise is from. It could be rubbing against scar tissue that was present froma prior augmentation, it could be like Dr. Blinski mentioned, crepitus, it could be from suturing of a capsule if this was not your first surgery. The best thing to do is get evaluated by your doctor.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Most likely retained air between the implant and your tissues. It is called crepitus. This is usually self limiting and resolves over time by reabsorption. Please return to your surgeon to evaluate this.

What is the Clicking Noise I Am Hearing/feeling when Massaging Post BA?

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Answer: Clciking noise with implants

Answer: Clciking noise with implants

Answer: What is the Clicking Noise I Am Hearing/feeling when Massaging Post BA?

Answer: What is the Clicking Noise I Am Hearing/feeling when Massaging Post BA?

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What is the Clicking Noise I Am Hearing/feeling when Massaging Post BA?

Answers (6)

Answer: Clciking noise with implants

Answer: Clciking noise with implants

Answer: What is the Clicking Noise I Am Hearing/feeling when Massaging Post BA?

Answer: What is the Clicking Noise I Am Hearing/feeling when Massaging Post BA?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.