Bourdonnement and other benign temporary breast implant sounds.

Abstract

During the early postoperative period, a variety of sounds may be detected emanating from the augmented breast. These sounds are nearly always benign and are temporary. The sounds can be described as crepitation, popping, sloshing, squeaking, buzzing, and humming, and a new term, bourdonnement, is applied to one of these phenomena. Patients are understandably alarmed by sounds emanating from their breasts, and it is helpful for the surgeon to be able to discuss them, and to reassure the patient of the lack of any long-term significance of the phenomena. This report includes intraoperative techniques by which some of the sounds can be avoided or minimized.