Is this a double bubble? (Photo)

Question

I am 4 year post op and I believe I have a slight double bubble situation in my right breast. I'm happy with my breast when sitting up straight but I hate the right one when laying down, it looks odd and I can see a slight indent under my breast. I also see that indent when I raise my arms. I went to my surgeon about my breast implants sitting differently at 2 years op and said they are uneven since they were prior to surgery. He didn't notice a DB but I believe it was overlooked.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

All breasts are different right to left before and after any surgery. This also includes muscle, ribs, implant pockets, size, shape, etc.

Normally, breast will fall to side slightly when laying down or changing position.

Your right breast appears larger and slightly protocol or saggy. The implant appears in good position without double bubble, but the internal pocket may have widened toward the armpit.

Evaluation by your/a plastic surgeon to confirm as well as discuss for a breast lift and possible pocket adjustment should address the asymmetry, but they will never be 100% identical.

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Based on your pictures it looks like you have a bit of a double bubble in your right breast.  Best to be seen for an in-person evaluation to assess implant position and breast tissue, and to discuss if and how a revision would help.

Jared Blau, MD · Answer

Thank you for the photos- there is a circular band on the bottom of the one breast, which is a double bubble. It can be improved with a minor procedure to divide, or separate, the tissue which is tenting the skin there. It seems to be a minor case but if it bothers you, there are options.

Tyler Frew, MD · Answer

Hi there,
It does look like a double bubble from the photos you sent. IF your first surgeon was not willing to discuss it with you, seek a second opinion.
This can be fixed with revision surgery and no new scars
all the best

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ochiexx,
based on your photos, it looks like there is minor double bubble. Though rare, some women who undergo breast augmentation will develop a minor deformity known as a “double bubble,” in which additional folds appear underneath the breasts due to the implant accidentally shifting or contracting post-surgery. In most cases, the implant simply slipped too far down the chest wall and traveled behind the breast inframammary crease (the area where the lower breast meets the chest), instead of moving forward to fill the breast cavity. If left untreated, the lopsided implant will form unnatural indentations, resulting in an odd “four-breast effect” rather than the full, rounded chest the patient initially desired.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It looks like double bubble deformity that can arise from many reasons in postoperative course, not necessarily due to surgeons intervention. You should seek a second opinion consultation by a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in breast surgery and discuss your options. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have a mild double bubble. I would suggest going back to your surgeon and discuss your concerns.  Do wear good supporting bras now with underwire.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is common for implants to move naturally with you when laying down or shifting positions.  Asymmetry to some degree is common.  Asymmetry that was present before your augmentation will be present after surgery but may be more noticeable now that more volume is added.  If a double bubble is present the only way to correct it is through surgery.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

We typically make breast surgery assessments based on patients in an upright standing position.
You may need a breast lift at some point in the future but I wouldn’t do that now.
I think your “double bubble” issues do not justify having surgery at this point.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Is this a double bubble? (Photo)

Answers (9)