Breast implants, whether filled with saline or silicone gel, are generally designed to be silent, yet some individuals report hearing unexpected noises from their chest. These sounds, which patients often describe as squeaking, gurgling, sloshing, or popping, can be startling and raise concerns about the implant’s integrity. While the experience is not universal, the phenomenon of audible implant sounds is recognized in the medical community as a possible, though usually temporary, outcome of breast augmentation surgery. Understanding the mechanical causes behind these sounds can help alleviate anxiety and clarify when a follow-up with a surgeon is necessary.
Confirming the Phenomenon
The reality of these sounds, sometimes informally referred to as “musical breasts,” is confirmed by numerous patient reports and plastic surgery consultations. These noises typically occur during specific movements, such as stretching, rolling over in bed, or when deep pressure is applied to the chest. The sounds are a direct result of the implant shell moving within the surgically created pocket. While the noises can be distracting, the vast majority are benign and represent a temporary stage in the post-operative healing process.
The sound is often most noticeable in the weeks immediately following the procedure as the body adjusts to the implant. The type of sound—whether a swishing or a squeak—can offer a clue about its underlying cause and the implant type involved.
Physical Causes of Implant Sounds
The specific nature of the noise is usually determined by what is trapped within the implant pocket or the implant itself. The most common cause is the presence of residual air and fluid outside the implant shell, which leads to sloshing or gurgling sounds. During surgery, air can be introduced into the pocket, and the body creates serous fluid. This air-fluid interface makes noise when the patient moves. This sloshing effect is temporary and resolves as the body reabsorbs the air and fluid over several weeks.
For saline-filled implants, sloshing can also originate from air trapped inside the device if air bubbles were not meticulously removed during filling. Because silicone gel is highly viscous, it does not slosh internally; any temporary gurgling with silicone implants is solely due to the air and fluid outside the shell. A distinct squeaking or rubbing sound is usually caused by friction between the implant’s shell and the surrounding scar tissue capsule when the pocket is tight or dry.
Differentiating Normal Sound from Complication
In the immediate post-operative phase, audible sounds are commonly considered normal, provided they are not accompanied by pain or significant changes in breast appearance. These temporary noises should gradually diminish as the residual air and fluid are absorbed by the body, typically ceasing within a few weeks to a couple of months. A sound that persists beyond the initial healing period, or a new sound that develops months or years after the surgery, should be considered abnormal and warrants medical evaluation.
One of the most concerning complications associated with new or worsening sounds is Capsular Contracture. This condition occurs when the fibrous capsule that naturally forms around the implant tightens and hardens. This constriction increases friction on the implant shell, leading to a more pronounced squeaking or rubbing sound, often accompanied by increased firmness or pain in the breast. While rupture does not typically cause noise, it can sometimes lead to late-onset capsular contracture, which then causes the sound.
Consultation and Resolution Steps
If the implant noise is persistent, painful, or suddenly appears long after recovery, the first step is to consult with the plastic surgeon. The physician will conduct a physical examination to check for signs of capsular contracture, such as firmness or distortion, using the Baker Grading system to assess severity. Diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), may be ordered to check the integrity of the implant shell, particularly to rule out a silent rupture of a silicone implant.
If the sound is deemed benign and related to residual air or fluid, the resolution is often simply continued monitoring as the body heals naturally. For cases where the noise is linked to advanced capsular contracture, surgical intervention may be required. This typically involves a capsulectomy—the removal of the constrictive scar tissue capsule—and often includes replacing the existing implant to resolve the underlying mechanical issue.