Can Double Bubble Be from Swelling and Go Away over a Few Months?

Question

I have a double bubble on one side still after 4 weeks. The tissue under the original crease is discolored (was bruised) and quite tender. My PS says it is swelling and definitely not double bubble. If it were swelling wouldn't it be gone by now? Didn't think DB could be caused by swelling?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Double bubble can be temporaraily caused by swelliing, edema or hematoma. I would use a reinforcement along the crease.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

What YOU are referring to as "Double Bubble" may or may not be a double bubble deformity. Without a photograph, none of us can confirm it.

	A Double Bubble is the demonstration of residual tissue memory in which the incompletely released, persistent constriction of the breast fold indents the lower pole of the breast implant. If this is very pronounced, it will not get better with time and would require surgery to release the breast fold arc. If it is swelling, it should resolve by 6-8 weeks after surgery.

	Discuss this with your surgeon.

Vincent P. Marin, MD, FACS · Answer

A double bubble results from the implant descending beneath the existing breast crease (inframammary fold) and the memory of the skin produces an indention within the implants lower half resulting in two bulges or the "double bubble" appearance.  This is classic in its appearance an not routinely related to swelling of the breasts.  Does the implant appear to be lower than the other side?  I would recommend revisiting the issue with your plastic surgeon and photos would be helpful to provide you with a diagnosis.

Best of luck.

Vince Marin, MD, FACS

La Jolla Plastic Surgeon

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Can not give you a definitive answer without seeing photos.  Swelling certainly can occur.  Sometimes a compression garment by the fold can help, but ask you surgeon.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Hopefully the swelling you see is simply tissue swelling or fluid collection.  However if it is a true double bubble with displacement of the implant below the inframammary crease it is unlikely to heal and will most likely require revision

Can Double Bubble Be from Swelling and Go Away over a Few Months?

Answers (7)

Answer: Double bubble

Answer: Double bubble

Answer: A true double bubble requires revision

Answer: A true double bubble requires revision

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Can Double Bubble Be from Swelling and Go Away over a Few Months?

Answers (7)

Answer: Double bubble

Answer: Double bubble

Answer: A true double bubble requires revision

Answer: A true double bubble requires revision

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.