One year post op. I’ve come to notice this ridge that forms when I raise my arms. I’d appreciate some expert opinions, please, so that I can approach my doctor with thorough questions- is it worth fixing? (I really do hate it but don’t know if I can afford to spend so much money on this at this moment...) will most doctors help cover revision costs? What is a polite way to approach this topic? Any chances that it will happen again? Does my right breast also look like it has a SLIGHT situation?
June 19, 2019
Answer: Is this minor double bubble worth fixing? My personal preference for this type of revisionary breast surgery would be: raising the inframammary fold using capsulorraphy techniques. In my practice, this type of repair involves a two layer, permanent suture repair (reconstructing the inframammary fold areas). Additional maneuvers such as scoring of the capsule (capsulotomy) may be helpful when it comes to improving overall shape/contour of the lower breast poles. Sometimes, depending on factors such as quality of skin along the lower breast poles, additional support provided by acellular dermal matrix or biosynthetic mesh may be very helpful. I have also found the use of acellular dermal matrix very helpful in cases where the skin/tissues are very thin and in cases of recurrent breast implant displacement. The acellular dermal matrix helps improve contour, improves irregularities caused by the underlying breast implant and/or scar tissue, and provides additional support ("sling" effect) for the breast implants. My general thoughts regarding the potential need for revisionary breast surgery: I advise patients to carefully consider their degree of concern with the outcome of the initial breast surgery and weigh these concerns against the potential risks/complications associated with the planned revisionary breast surgery. For example, if the patient is concerned about her breast appearance on a daily or frequent basis, it is likely that revisionary surgery will be helpful when it comes to improving her quality of life. On the other hand, if the patient's degree of concern seems minor and/or she is infrequently concerned about the areas of concern, I would recommend against revisionary breast surgery. Policy regarding coverage of expenses for revisionary surgery will vary from office to office and probably on a case-by-case basis as well. Costs of revisionary surgery may range from zero, to anesthesia/surgery center fees, to discounted surgeon's fees. Best wishes.
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June 19, 2019
Answer: Is this minor double bubble worth fixing? My personal preference for this type of revisionary breast surgery would be: raising the inframammary fold using capsulorraphy techniques. In my practice, this type of repair involves a two layer, permanent suture repair (reconstructing the inframammary fold areas). Additional maneuvers such as scoring of the capsule (capsulotomy) may be helpful when it comes to improving overall shape/contour of the lower breast poles. Sometimes, depending on factors such as quality of skin along the lower breast poles, additional support provided by acellular dermal matrix or biosynthetic mesh may be very helpful. I have also found the use of acellular dermal matrix very helpful in cases where the skin/tissues are very thin and in cases of recurrent breast implant displacement. The acellular dermal matrix helps improve contour, improves irregularities caused by the underlying breast implant and/or scar tissue, and provides additional support ("sling" effect) for the breast implants. My general thoughts regarding the potential need for revisionary breast surgery: I advise patients to carefully consider their degree of concern with the outcome of the initial breast surgery and weigh these concerns against the potential risks/complications associated with the planned revisionary breast surgery. For example, if the patient is concerned about her breast appearance on a daily or frequent basis, it is likely that revisionary surgery will be helpful when it comes to improving her quality of life. On the other hand, if the patient's degree of concern seems minor and/or she is infrequently concerned about the areas of concern, I would recommend against revisionary breast surgery. Policy regarding coverage of expenses for revisionary surgery will vary from office to office and probably on a case-by-case basis as well. Costs of revisionary surgery may range from zero, to anesthesia/surgery center fees, to discounted surgeon's fees. Best wishes.
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July 21, 2020
Answer: Double bubble Dear daenerysstormborn, 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. If this bothers you, I suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon and get an examination. Daniel Barrett, MD Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
July 21, 2020
Answer: Double bubble Dear daenerysstormborn, 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. If this bothers you, I suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon and get an examination. Daniel Barrett, MD Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Helpful 1 person found this helpful