Is this “Double Bubble”? Will a revision be needed? (Photos)

Dear MinnieMoo25,


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

This would require a complex breast revisionary surgery including pocket work, Galaflex, new implants and a lift. You likely needed a breast lift at the time of the original implant placement based on the apparent nipple to-fold-distances. When the skin is stretched over time (gravity/breast feeding etc), the nipple-to-fold distances get too long...this is what creates the deflated look or nipple malposition compared to the breast mound. In your particular case, it appears that the right breast implant has bottomed out over time. You can see the original breast fold above the now lower right breast fold that was stretched out by the implant over time. I would recommend seeing an expert in revisionary aesthetic plastic surgery.

If you decide to go for a revision, consider an internal bra. It doesn't look like your tissue is providing a lot of support for the implants, which can contribute to a double bubble. An internal bra will give a more stable result.