Double bubble healing after explant? (Photo)

Question

Hi there! My doctor removed my implants nearly 6 days ago. I did NOT want to undergo a lift or anything because it’s extremely important I have the ability to breastfeed in the future. However, I did have a double bubble complication with my implants for the second time even after revision. I had 600ccs in my breast.

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi there &mdash; this is a very understandable concern, especially given your history of recurrent double bubble and your very clear priority to preserve breastfeeding ability.What’s happening right now (6 days post-explant)At this very early stage:Swelling, bruising, and temporary contour irregularities are expectedThe lower pole and old inframammary fold can still look “split” or unevenSome improvement will occur over the next weeks, but true double-bubble patterns rarely resolve completely on their own once the implant is gone &mdash; especially after 600 cc implants and prior revisionsThis isn’t because healing is failing; it’s because the problem is structural, not inflammatory.Why double bubble persists after explantDouble bubble is caused by:A disrupted or lowered inframammary foldMismatch between skin envelope and breast tissueLong-standing implant pressure that altered internal anatomyRemoving the implant eliminates weight, but it does not automatically reposition your own tissue back to where it belongs.A lift vs. preserving breastfeeding &mdash; important distinctionA traditional, aggressive lift can raise concerns about sensation and breastfeeding.However, a Push-Up Lift is fundamentally different.Why Push-Up Lift fits your prioritiesA Push-Up Lift:Repositions your existing breast tissue upward (treats ptosis and double bubble)Rebuilds internal support and the inframammary foldUses minimal, strategic skin excision (often a minimal-T)Preserves ducts, glandular tissue, and nerve supplyPreserves breastfeeding potential and nipple sensationAvoids flattening or “operated” appearanceIn other words, it corrects the problem without sacrificing future breastfeeding.Should you do anything now?Right now (day 6):Give your body time to settle (initial swelling must resolve)Reassess shape at 6–12 weeksIf the double bubble or lower-pole distortion persists, a Push-Up Lift is the most reliable corrective option &mdash; and it can be done without implants

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

A breast lift will help reshape your breasts. I think a mastopexy will help the contour significantly as well. Something to look into. Thank you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear aeb23,
breast revision surgery is the most difficult plastic surgery procedure performed. Botched breast surgery alters normal tissue planes and laxity, the ability of breasts to heal properly, and leaves scar tissue that dramatically affects the level of difficulty of the corrective surgery.Many patients come in to correct poor outcomes from their initial surgeries. The most common problems are due to implant malposition, bottoming out of the implant, poor scarring, and incorrect implant size.While the type of revision required will depend on the result of the previous surgery and the desired result of the patient, some revisions involve extensive pocket repair that may or may not need specialized external bras.If you are considering breast surgery revision, you should speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Also, you have to make sure that your surgeon understands your breast augmentation goals.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. It sounds like you are navigate a significant transition after your explant surgery, especially considering your previous challenges with double bubble complications and your desire to maintain the ability to breastfeed in the future. Please see the attached video that discusses your question. While recovery from explant surgery can be challenging, it is great that you are thinking ahead about breastfeeding and your future options. Ensure you have open communication with your healthcare team about your goals and concerns. They can provide personalized advice and help you navigate any future decisions regarding breast health and aesthetic outcomes. Take care of yourself during this recovery period.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Many women are dissatisfied with the look of their breasts after implant removal and require a lift. Many women are afraid of lifts because of the vertical scars associated with the traditional techniques. For that reason, an alternative was developed called The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained if not injured during your previous surgery. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You are still early in your recovery, however it is unlikely that you will have a great deal of skin retraction due to the size of implants you had.  When you are ready or have finished breastfeeding you can consider a lift to improve the shape.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your tissue has been greatly stretched with such mammoth implants. A lift would be the best option and can correct the extra tissue that has been stretched. It will not adjust on its own.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The shape of your breast is Most likely do too either the breast and skin being stretched out from the use of large implants, a remaining implant capsule that was not removed with explantation or a combination of both,
Breast may be able to improve your breast shape.
Breast lift surgery should not impact the ability to breast-feed in the future.
Only a breast reduction has the chance reducing the chance of successful breast-feeding and even then most women are able to breast-feed after breast reduction surgery.
 I don’t know of any studies that show that breast left surgery reduces the chance of future successful breast-feeding.
I suggest having a few in person consultations with plastic surgeons in your community.
To get an accurate assessment getting copies of your previous operative report and before and after pictures.
 I also recommend you exclusively in person consultations Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Double bubble healing after explant? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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