Breast Implant Looks Weird on X-ray (photo)

A "double bubble" is a known complication of breast augmentation. Some surgeons will offer to treat this at a reduced or no cost but are not required to do so. X-rays rarely provide valuable information for breast implants. To evaluate the implants an MRI or high-resolution ultrasound would be suggested.

Thank you for your question. X-rays are not very reliable for evaluating breast implants. Breast implants on X-ray images do not provide detailed information about the implant shell or surrounding tissues and can sometimes look distorted or asymmetrical. This doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem, especially if you're not experiencing pain, shape changes, or signs of rupture. You can have a breast MRI if you want to assess implant integrity and positioning.

Hello, thanks for your question. X-rays are not the best studies to view breast implants. What you see on the x-ray may be gas from the abdomen. If there is concern about the implant, an ultrasound may be the best option. Regarding your double bubble, switching to a smaller implant and using mesh or switching the implant to above the muscle (if it is under the muscle) can help resolve your issue. Good luck!

Dear jordanclight,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The area that you mentioned could be an air bubble. It's best to discuss it with your surgeon or the ordering physician. A double bubble can occur for many reasons but it is most commonly seen when a patient has implants that are large. Changing to smaller implants and/or adding support bioabsorbable mesh may lower the risk.

That gas is probably from your colon, or if on your left side, your stomach, and is not your implant. Bottoming out is not always from surgeon's hands, but happens when the chosen implants are too large and heavy for your frame.

I have to agree with you, that does look very strange. I would recommend getting an MRI. If iI were you, I would find out what the radiology report said? But, I would still want to see an MRI. MRI is the best test to evaluate breast implants.

Hello. The photo of the xray you submitted is flipped. The heart and therefore the gas bubble should be on the left side (as if someone was looking at you, so your left would be on the right side of the photo). The gas bubble you see is in your stomach, not in your implant. Xrays are not good tests to look at breast implants. If you have concerns you should get an Ultrasound and if that does not answer any questions you may have you could then get an MRI. I am curious, why did you get the chest xray? Did you have any concerns before looking at the xray?

Based on only the x-ray photo of the chest appears there might be an air bubble or leakage of that implant. Are you sure you had silicone implants versus sling? Best virtual consult with to discuss and offer more options.