Can a fat transfer correct double bubble without having to remove or replace the implant? (photos)

Question

Can fat graft solve the double bubble deformity without an implant change. If yes, how does it work. During the fat injection, will it damage the implant. How do you fill up with fats if the breast tissue is above and the implant has slided down causing a double bubble to appear?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Vivid852860,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The double bubble occurs because the original inframammary fold remains and the breast is lowered and the new inframammary fold is not at the same level as the original.  Attempting to conceal this with fat would be risky and would most likely be unsuccessful.  Injecting fat near an implant could rupture the implant and cause problems.  I do not recommend this.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The double bubble is from the weight of a heavy implant sliding down. Adding fat might help for a while, but the implant is not supported and can still slide. I would suggest going down in size and repairing the lower pocket with an internal bra of mesh. Extra fat in this area will not look right.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make a quality assessment regarding the outcome of a plastic surgery procedure we generally need to see a complete set of before and after pictures.
If you don’t have before, and after pictures, didn’t ask your plastic surgeon to forward the pictures they took. You should also follow up with your provider regarding issues related to the outcome of your procedure.
It looks like your implants have bottomed out a bit the left more than the right.
I see no good indication for doing fat transfer. I suggest having a few in person, consultations with plastic surgeons or follow up with your provider to get an accurate assessment, and better understanding of revision treatment options.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Can a fat transfer correct double bubble without having to remove or replace the implant? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast implants revision

Answer: Breast implants revision

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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Can a fat transfer correct double bubble without having to remove or replace the implant? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast implants revision

Answer: Breast implants revision

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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