Bubbling sensation behind nipple area following Breast augmentation?

Question

Recently had breast augmentation with 400cc silicone submuscular placement, inframmary incision; POD#6. No complaints until this morning when I began having intermittent "bubbling" sensation (feels similar to fasciculations) only in the left breast behind the nipple, slightly inferior. It doesn't feel like crepitus, which I did have previously, but was located bottom of the breast above the ribs and over the sternum. Is this normal? I drove yesterday, but am worried now I did too much.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

All sorts of strange sensations happen after breast augmentation.  This is because so many of the nerves are inflamed and traumatized from the surgical procedure.  These traumatized nerves can send mixed signals which end up feeling like burning, shooting, vibrations, tingling, bubbling, etc.  As well, at only six days out, you may have some air bubbles in your breast pocket which will absorb with time.  However, questions like this are best answered by your surgeon and I suggest you call for some reassurance from the person who  performed your procedure.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Before the capsule around the prosthesis becomes established fluid in the same pocket as the breast implant can move around creating unusual noises and sensations. This always resolves with time.

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to have some strange sensations behind the nipple due to nerves being irritated and sometimes muscle spasm.  These sensations will improve with time as the implants settle and your tissues adjust to the implants

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. This is likely residual air in the pocket, but I think it's best for you to have an in-person follow up examination with your plastic surgeon. Hope this helps.

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

Not sure what this could represent exactly because it needs a good examination.  Have your plastic surgeon examine that area.  It could be muscle edge, it could be subcutaneous air, it could be a suture reaction, it hard to tell in this forum because it needs to be examined in my opinion.  Good luckDr VasishtSouth Shore Plastic Surgery

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's hard to give a good answer to your question because without evaluating you in person it is hard to say. I also don't know how your breast augmentation was performed and what technique was used. However, here a few things this feeling could be do to. 1) If you had tumescent style breast augmentation then this can be due to the fluid that was injected into the breast to achieve control on bleeding and pain. I tell my patients they may feel a "squishy" type sensation that will resolve in about 2 weeks. 2) You mention "fasiculations." If that is truly what you are feeling then fasiculations are kinda like muscle twitches. After a submuscular breast augmentation one can experience muscle twitches if the muscle was released from its attachments. This is frequently how breast augmentations are performed nowadays. I prescribe my patients muscle relaxants to help prevent or reduce the chance that this feeling will be experienced. 3) Did you do too much? I will preface my next statement by saying that I am probably more conservative then most. I tell my patients they should avoid driving for at least 1 week. In order to be ok to drive I tell my patients they should be off pain medication and have their pain very well controlled. Based on your description it seems likely that it is muscle twitching and this usually gets better with time. The best way to find out what is going on is by contacting and being evaluated by your plastic surgeon. I hope this helps!Ankur Mehta MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If it is just a sensation vs palpable fluid, then I would say that sensory changes early post-op are fairly common. If concerned, best to be seen in person.

Alyson Wells, MD, FACS · Answer

There are lots of odd sensations that you may experience shortly after breast augmentation, and most are within the range of normal.  Your personal experience sounds like mild muscle spasm.  Although spasms can be very painful and described as a "charley horse," there are some that are more like the muscle is gently twitching.  Sometimes, the small amount of tissue fluid that remains in the implant pocket moves around and causes a "bubbly" or "sloshing" sensation.  Your sensation may be this also.  All of these sensations will disappear in the next few days or weeks.  Best wishes for a good recovery and beautiful result!

Bubbling sensation behind nipple area following Breast augmentation?

Answers (8)

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