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Breast Augmentation Bottoming out or Double Bubble Effect?

I am four months post op from breast augmentation. I am able to feel the entire bottom of breast implant at the crease of my breasts. I am scared that way my breasts look I am either having the bottoming out effect or the double bubble effect. Is this an occurence in either complication?

Asked 40 months ago by misty4520 in north carolina
Sort 15 expert answers by:
+5

Let's find out!

Being able to "feel" the implant at the inframammary crease level is normal especially in thin patients and especially with saline implants. This is not bottoming out or a double-bubble. "Bottoming out" occurs when the implant descends below the crease and the breast loses its fullness in the upper pole as it settles into the lower pole. If you have a crease incision, you will see it riding up onto the lower pole of the breast. A "double-bubble" occurs when the inframammary crease is... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Follow up with your surgeon

These complications have occured, however it is difficult to diagnosis without an examination. If you are unhappy with your results or if you feel something is wrong or does not look right, you need to contact your doctor. He will examine you and determine if either of these are happening or if you are a thin patient, you will be more likely to feel the implants more than other patients. If you are unsure about your results dont hesistate to contact your doctor, it is best to address... more
Chia Chi Kao, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2

You would need to be examined

It's difficult to know without an examination, but both bottoming out or a double bubble can happen after breast augmentation. On the other hand, if you are thin and had saline breast implants, the edges of the implant can be felt (this can sometimes occur with silicone implants, although it's less common). I would discuss your concerns with the surgeon who performed the procedure, and if needed, seek a second opinion with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your region. If everything... more
Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bottoming Out of Breast Implants?

Thank you for the question. It is not common for patients to be able to feel the "the bottom of the breast implants" when the breast implants have fully settled. This does not necessarily mean the breast implants have bottomed out or that there is a double bubble present. One of the most common complications after breast augmentation surgery is implant mal-position. This occurs when the implant is in an incorrect position on the chest wall. This may... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bottoming out or Double Bubble

An exam or photo can answer your question. Bottoming out is due to the lower part of the breast stretching out and the nipple may rise and look high. A double bubble occurs with a subpectoral implant that goes too far below the breast fold with the normal breast sitting on top of it producing the double bubble appearance. See your plastic surgeon for an exam.
Richard Linderman, MD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bottoming out or double bubble

Hello, Its hard to decide without photos but as a rule of thumb both bottoming out and double bubble are breast appearence problems more than implant palbability. Share some photos or visit your plastic surgeon. If your breast looks great chances are you do not have either. All the best, Dr Repta
Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+1

Feeling the implant does not equal boottoming out

“bottoming out” is the term used to describe the condition which occurs when the breast tends to look as if it has descended on the chest wall after previous surgery, whether the surgery involved implants, a lift, or a reduction. In the case of “bottomed out” implants, sutures can often be placed in the lower pole of the breast to re-elevate the breast on the chest wall. This is called a capsullorraphy and can achieve excellent tresults... more
W. Tracy Hankins, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bottoming out or double bubble

Yes, feeling the implant at the bottom of your breast can occur with both bottoming out and the double bubble complication.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implants bottoming out

If you feel the implants, especially saline implants are usually felt, that is different than bottoming out. Bottoming out is when the implant is lower and below the inframammary line. If you stand in front of the mirror you will see the difference unless you are bottoming out on both. A picture will help.  
Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bad shape after breast augmentation.

Hi. Without examining you, I cannot tell exactly what is wrong.  But it doesn't matter what you call it.  If your breasts look bad after 4 months, you have a complication.  I am afraid you will probably need a revision.  Last thing you wanted to hear!
George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implant palpability

Hello, The ability to easily feel breast implants does not necessarily mean that bottoming out or double bubble is occurring. It can mean that you were really thin to start and there was little tissue to cover the implants. It can also have something to do with implant positioning. I would advise that you see your surgeon and look into the issue to see if there is a problem and if so, a solution.
John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Talk to your surgeon

It is not uncommon to feel the implant in the lower portion that is covered by the chest muscle. This is a separate issue than "bottoming out" and "double bubble", two different possible findings that your surgeon will be able to sort out for you and make recommendations.
David J. Levens, MD
Coral Springs Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implant palpability

It is common to feel the implants along the bottom of the breast fold, especially if they are saline and you do not have a lot of breast tissue coverage. If you are concerned, I would recommend that you see your surgeon to be evaluated.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implant Intimidation? Who's in Charge?

Being able to feel the implant under your breast may be completely normal, and is nothing to be concerned about, especially if you are very thin, and if the implants are large, or both. "Bottoming-out" and "Double-Bubble" are two different situations where the implant is lower than the desired position with respect to the breast tissue, or to both the breast tissue and the infra-mammary fold. Don't let your implants intimidate you, and don't try to self-diagnose. If the... more
Athleo Louis Cambre, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

You need to see your surgeon

To guess that either a double bubble or a bottoming out was occuring in your case without an examination would be difficult at best.  A follow up visit to your board certified plastic surgeon will either alleviate your fears or set in motion a plan to correct the condition.  Good luck.
Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
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