Breast implants can sometimes generate audible noise, which may be described as squeaking, sloshing, gurgling, or bubbling. This phenomenon, while often temporary, is a known occurrence following augmentation surgery. These sounds generally signal movement or air dynamics within or around the implant pocket.
The Physical Cause of Auditory Phenomena
The most frequent source of noise in the early recovery period is the presence of air and fluid around the implant shell. Air can become trapped in the newly created implant pocket during surgery. This trapped air, combined with normal post-surgical fluid accumulation (seroma), creates a sloshing or gurgling sound when the patient moves.
This sound, often referred to as “air-fluid dynamics,” typically resolves as the body absorbs the residual air and fluid over the following weeks. A distinct squeaking or high-pitched rubbing sound, sometimes called Bourdonnement, occurs from friction between the implant shell and the moist tissue lining the pocket. This is a temporary result of the implant settling into its space.
Popping or crackling sensations, medically known as crepitation, arise from subcutaneous air that has migrated into the surrounding tissues. This air is harmless and is gradually absorbed, causing the sound to disappear within days to a few weeks. These physical causes are benign and are an expected part of the post-operative healing process.
Implant Characteristics and Sound Production
The material used to fill the implant dictates the likelihood of audible noise. Saline-filled implants are substantially more prone to creating sloshing and gurgling sounds compared to their silicone counterparts. This difference exists because the saline solution behaves like water, allowing the fluid to move freely within the shell.
If air is inadvertently retained inside a saline implant during the filling process, it can create a noticeable sloshing sound. Even a volume of air as small as two cubic centimeters can cause this audible effect. Since the implant shell is gas-permeable, this trapped air will diffuse out and be absorbed by the body, usually resolving the noise within 30 days.
In contrast, silicone implants are filled with a highly cohesive, viscous gel, which is much thicker than saline. This gel’s consistency prevents the free movement that causes sloshing sounds. If a sound is heard with a silicone implant, it is almost always related to air or fluid trapped outside the implant, rather than movement of the gel itself.
When to Seek Medical Advice
In most instances, noises like sloshing or squeaking that occur in the weeks immediately following surgery are normal and should not cause alarm. These transient sounds are expected as the body recovers and the air and fluid around the implant are absorbed. If the sounds are consistent and not accompanied by other symptoms, they are typically considered benign.
However, certain circumstances warrant a consultation with a plastic surgeon. Any new or persistent auditory phenomenon accompanied by physical symptoms should be evaluated promptly. Warning signs include sudden, sharp pain, a noticeable change in breast shape or size, or significant firmness.
Increased firmness can indicate capsular contracture, a condition where the scar tissue around the implant tightens. A sudden change in breast size could signal a potential implant rupture or leak. Documenting when the sound occurs and what activity triggers it provides helpful information for the surgeon.