Do I have double bubble? (photos)

Question

I am about 6 weeks post-op and while it's not too visible in photos, I think I maybe presenting with a "double bubble." I expressed my concerns to my doctor at my last appointment and he told me it is the muscle appearing from using the dual plane technique. I wanted a second opinion before my appointment on Friday

Jeffrey Umansky, MD · Answer

At 6 weeks postoperatively, you are still rather early in your healing process. It is still a little too early to tell whether you are suffering from double bubble. Your photo does indicate a very slight indentation but this may round out with time. I recommend that you follow up with your plastic surgeon to discuss this concern as he or she is best equipped to answer questions regarding your particular case. Best of luck!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,While most of the breast augmentation world is focused on breast base diameter, BW or BWD, there is at least one other very important measurement that should be made to determine a patient's anatomic maximum capacity: nipple to fold distance. In your case, it was too short for the implant you got. As time goes on, you will decide whether to correct it or not (frequently they are of minimal aesthetic impact). If you do decide, your tissues will likely have expanded sufficiently to accommodate the current implant size, so downsizing would be unnecessary, just capsulorrhaphy.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kushkush07,
it is hard to tell for sure just by looking at your photos. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Unfortunately with the limited views seen it is difficult to render an opinion, but it does not appear that you are suffering with a double bubble.  Hope this helps.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

6 weeks is very early, so I would not rush to judge your aesthetic results just yet. Without examining you it is difficult to know if you are developing an issue and the photos don't really show it well. I would suggest getting a second opinion in-person from another local board-certified plastic surgeon. I would NOT suggest walking into your surgeon's office and arguing with him about whether you have double bubble based on anything anyone says in this forum as it is not even remotely a reasonable replacement for in-person examination.

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

Your photos are a bit limited to really tell how the breast shape is evolving after surgery.  Six weeks is still early in the settling process and I would allow more time for swelling to decrease and the implants to settle before being concerned

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please ensure to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind