Will Double Bubble Breast Implants Correct Themselves with Time?

asked 2 years ago by seashell415 in Marin County
Latest answer by Jana K. Rasmussen, MD
Question viewed 6,374 times
Tags: 1 month post-op, double bubble

I am 4 weeks post-op from a revision for bilateral grade IV capsular contracture, during which I went from 315cc saline HP unders to 350cc mod+ silicone with the same placement. The double bubble became visible within the first week and I've only noticed minimal improvement. While I'd be heartbroken if additional surgery is required, I don't want to wait things out with less than satisfactory results for too long. Should I give it past the 6 month mark to smooth out?

11 answers to Will Double Bubble Breast Implants Correct Themselves with Time?

Double bubble

Sometimes if you notice early signs of a double bubble, you can reinforce the fold and it will be better. In general, double bubbles do not improve.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Will Double Bubble Breast Implants Correct Themselves with Time?

Depending on the cause of the double bubble, in some instances such as tuberous breasts, I have seen improvement with time. But in the case of your descriiption, unless radial relaxing incsions were performed, it is difficult to prognosticate.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Early Double Bubble after Revision Breast Surgery

Many of the previous posts have already eloquently and accurately defined the double bubble deformity, so there is no need for me to duplicate that. What I will say is that at 4 weeks, it is too early to have another surgery. It is not too early, however, to express your concerns to your plastic surgeon. I recommend waiting until you are at least 6 months out before having another surgery. Hope that helps and good luck! Dr. Babak Dadvand

Babak Dadvand, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Evaluate a Double Bubble Months After Surgery

There are multiple reasons for a double bubble.... Inframammary crease too high relative to the implant tuberous breast deformities short distances between the areola and the fold The implant too low relative to the crease poor surgical positioning of the implant implant too large for your chest wall Residual scarring incomplete capsulectomy new scarring from the other surgery Regardless, I don't call anything a double bubble until the tissues have settled and started to heal. It is more

Michael C. Pickart, MD
Ventura Plastic Surgeon

Double bubble deformity

The double-bubble deformity occurs when your tissues try to stay in a different location from your infra-mammary fold. This may get a little better with time, but it is really too soon to tell if you'll need additional surgery since the tissue need to settle and your swelling needs to resolve. I would recommend speaking with your surgeon about your concerns. Capsular contracture is a very challenging problem for both the patient and surgeon, and I hope that you are at least more... more

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Double Bubble Problem

A double bubble can be due to many reasons, some of which have been highlighted in previous posts. I would recommend you visit with your surgeon to communicate your concerns. One of the common reasons why a double bubble may manifest following removal of scar tissue (capsulectomy) from your procedure is possible violation of the inframammary crease. Another reason would be a "band" manifesting in the lower pole of the breast. This can be due to scar tissue or residual capsule... more

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

Double bubble breast implant problems

As you have seen, a double bubble generally represents a deformity in which the old inframammary crease is still present and indents along the lower pole of the breast above a new lower crease that has been made by lowering the implant. These don't spontaneously resolve but at the present time your tissues are swollen and won't tolerate revision until 4-6 months postop. With grade IV capsules, and now a double bubble problem, you will never have a home run result but hopefully can get... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Double bubble Breast Deformity

I agree with Dr. Schuster's comments below. the Double Bubble breast deformity is most commonly due to "memory" of the lower portion of the breast combined with an undermining of the (breast or inframmamary) fold which retains its shape. If this is not recognized at the time of surgery there is a very small chance that it may improve later on by sheer distention by gravity. I am SURE your surgeon is probably as unhappy with the result as you are and would like to help you. But... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Double bubble

Dear Seashell I think it is far too soon to tell. You are concerned so speak to your surgeon about your concerns. There are several causes of the double bubble including a crease that is lowered beyond the crease and also tuberous breast deformity. I certainly would not go in now as this is the worst time in terms of the healing process so be patient, talk to you surgeon and at least wait out the 3-6 months it takes to settle down. Good luck

Steven Schuster, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.schusterplasticsurgery.com

Too early to know, breast implant results may improve on their own

There can be a residual tight band of skin along the lower portion of the breast following your revision that is causing the double bubble appearance. Often times this will slowly stretch and improve during the first few months. At 4 weeks it is just too soon to tell. You really need to allow up to 6 months to see the final appearance. That would be the best time to look at the appearance and determine if anything more needs to be done. Hope this helps.

Robert B. Pollack, MD
La Jolla Plastic Surgeon

Double bubble breast deformity after implant placement

A double bubble deformity is the situation when the fullness of the implant is present superiorly and the mound of the natural breast appears to "fall off" the implant inferiorly, creating 2 areas of apparent breast, thus the "double bubble". It can occur over time, for example, if an implant is placed when a breast is more youthful, the effects of aging, gravity, loss of elasticity, weight fluctuations, pregnancy and hormonal changes may allow for the natural... more