Breast Implants Q&A

80%

WORTH IT RATING

1,009 Reviews

Ask a Question

View Before and Afters

Average Breast Implants Cost: $6,000

Learn about Breast Implants

4,932 people and 832 doctors are talking about Breast Implants

Get Free Email Updates

Way to Stop Dropping of Silicone Implant?

asked 3 years ago by SusQ in Providence, RI
Latest answer by Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Question viewed 2,241 times
Tags: silicone implant

I am two weeks post op from TABA with silicone 300/325cc unders (34 maybe-a-B preop)and since surgery I have had what looks like a double bubble. It seems to be getting a bit worse. I have been wearing an underwire full coverage bra since sx. Is there anything I can do to prevent further dropping of the implant and if it needs surgical revision...what is the best method? How much do these revisions usually cost if performed by another physician?

12 answers to Way to Stop Dropping of Silicone Implant?

Breast Augmentation problems

Thanks for the question. I do agree with Dr. Rand that it may be too early to be looking at revision. However, I would add that typically early issues like double bubble or low riding implants are less likely to improve over time, than issues of the implants riding a little high or small asymmetries. Double bubble deformity can be caused from breast augmentations in patients that also needed a breast lift (think of the implant being in a correct position to augment your breasts but your... more

Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Correction of silicone breast implant double bubble

Although there is a chance that reduction in swelling and use of supportive bras may help reverse the double bubble, ultimately, this is best corrected in several months when the capsule has established around the implant. I would recommend repositioning of the implant with capsule plication and possible skin mastopexy.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Transabdominal breast augmentation problem

Transabdominal breast augmentation is a great way to avoid scars on the breast when desiring a breast augmentation at the same time as a tummy tuck. Of course not everyone is a candidate. As to the double bubble question. This may have occurred with the descent of the implants. The best thing to do is wear a support garment along the breast fold. This may improve. If it does not, then talk to your doctor. You may need a revisoin from a more traditional approach.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

TUBA or not TUBA

Susie, Unfortunately, you have experienced one of the complications of working on the breasts from the belly button. The farther away from the breasts you are, the less control you have in positioning the implants. If it was a plastic surgeon that did the work, you should return to him/her for correction. He/she will likely offer to fix it free of charge. If money is no object and you have absolutely no faith in your surgeon's abilities, you can see a board certified plastic surgeon. ... more

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

www.francisnyplasticsurgery.com

Options for dropping silicone implants limited at this time

I feel that the best thing to do is to continue with the support provided by the bra. Be very careful that the underwire doesn't cause pressure sores in areas where sensation is reduced from surgery. Immediate surgery is an option, but I don't feel the best option. I would work with your surgeon, and follow up regularly. I would usually suggest, based on exam, to wait 6, 9, 12 months depending on healing. Sometimes these double bubbles work themselves out as the tissues relax. I also feel... more

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Mal-position of implant

I am assuming the double bubble you see in on the undersurface of the breast at the inframammary fold and not on the upper surface of the breast. Although there is some possibility prolonged use of an underwire compression can "reverse" inferior malposition of the implant, it also depends on why the implants are malpositioned to begin with. If the pocket was inadequately dissected superiorly with the entire pocket being located too low, especially if there was inadequate release... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Unfortunately, this is not going to get better.

To SusQ, Hi. The options are to revise this immediately, or to wait at least 6 months. Without seeing you, I would say wait. In the mean time, just wear a comfortable bra. I don't think anything external will help. The best way to revise this is with a short incision in the fold under the breasts. This way, the contour deformity can be repaired directly and securely (this is not necessarily easy). Fees vary a lot with each community. So this is just a guess. The cost to you for a... more

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Continue to wear that bra

Hello SusQ, A double bubble visible early in a breast augmentation, in my experience, is unlikely to completely resolve. However, you are early enough that I think wearing that underwire bra for another month is indicated. Keep your surgeon posted of your concerns and ask him what his experience is in being able to correct it with the bra. If you do need a revision, I believe you will need a different incision than the trans-axillary approach that you had (I assume that is what you mean by... more

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Unlikely to improve

If the implant is already too low only two weeks after surgery, it is unlikely that it will improve. It might even get a little worse as the tissues start to relax. This can be repaired with internal sutures, and most Plastic surgeons are familiar with this problem. Cost will certainly depend on which part of the country you are in, and the skill level of the surgeon. It will most likely require an incision in the crease under the breast to get optimal results. Your best bet is to... more

Robert M. Jensen, MD
Medford Plastic Surgeon

TABA and inframammary fold lowering

Given the fact that a transabdominal breast augmentation (TABA) involves placing the implant through the upper part of a tummy tuck flap, and it is not performed by a great deal of plastic surgeons, I would recommend you return to see your surgeon if you are experiencing double bubble and IMF lowering at only 2 weeks out. The inframammary fold attachments may be weakened or possibly disrupted by this approach if you are experiencing issues this early. Ask a surgeon who is an expert at this... more

Jennifer Walden, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon

Too soon to worry about dropping Silicone implants

You're getting good advice here. At this stage, too many things are happening for you to have a lot of worry that you will have a permanent problem. The double bubble could be getting worse because of swelling (this will get better) or because the implant is settling into its final location (a more worrisome sign). Keep supporting the lower part of the breast like you've been told. I'm sure you'll get good care from your plastic surgeon, and this will enhance the chances that things will... more

Brian K. Brzowski, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

www.brzowski.com

Slow down here a bit

You are only two weeks out from surgery and it is far too soon to know what your final result will be. We don't know what you looked preop and what you look like now so we can't say much specifically. Of concern to me is that it doesn't sound as though you have much confidence in your plastic surgeon. Hopefully you did your homework and selected the very best doctor in your region regardless of price. If so, you should direct all these questions to your doctor who wants more than anyone... more