I have Sientra Breast Implants 350cc, went from 34a to 34d. Am I Bottoming out or getting double bubble? (photos)

Question

I had 350cc gummy bear implants 2 1/2 months ago. I noticed that my left breast is dropping too low and it has a dent right in between the nipple and the incision. Can I do anything to stop this from happening and/or will I need a revision? Please advice. Thank you.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Your previous inframammary crease is still barely visible, but causes the double bubble appearance you see on your left breast. However, your nipple-crease distances appear to be symmetrical and well-placed.BTW, you had cohesive silicone gel implants, but the original "gummy bear" implants were the McGhan (Allergan) style 410 shaped, textured, cohesive gel implants. These are now FDA approved, but when they were in FDA studies, they acquired the lay public and media nickname "gummy bear" implants. All of the other silicone gel implants by all 3 USA implant manufacturers are also cohesive, but are typically somewhat softer, less rubbery, and slightly more natural in feel. Since all silicone gel implants are now (some degree of) cohesive, many surgeons and even more patients describe the latest generation of cohesive gel implants as "gummy bear" implants. Technically incorrect, yet still a different kind of cohesive similar to the true gummy bear style 410s.If your Sientra implants are textured, you have very little worry that they will drop too far, since the texture is designed to adhere to your tissue capsule. That scar capsule will mature, soften, and stretch over time, as will your skin, so this slight double bubble may well resolve over time. An elastic bandeau may help; ask your surgeon.Revision is unlikely to be necessary, but it will take a full 6-12 months to answer that definitively. I actually think you look pretty good (for what I assume your pre-op anatomy to have been) at this point in your recovery. Be patient and glad that you chose a good surgeon! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Your post-operative pictures suggest the presence of a
persistent inframammary fold and a mild double bubble deformity.This is not uncommon when the distance from
the areola to the new inframammary fold is increased to accommodate a larger
breast implant.Under these
circumstances, it’s not unusual for patients to feel their breast implants
beneath the level of the old inframammary fold especially if they’re thin and
have minimal breast tissue.In the
vast majority of patients, this problem improves with the passage of time.Under these circumstances, the weight of the
implant stretches and expands the soft tissue.If this problem persist beyond six months, revisional surgery may be
necessary. It’s
important to discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon
should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your concerns.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Belle Marie,You have a double fold on the left breast, as you described.    This line of flattening was probably your original breast fold.  I can't say for sure without preop photos.  You are still early enough to modify this with "bras and bands."  So keep your surgeon in the loop and get suggestions at your clinic.  To my eye your bottom edges of your breasts look equal, but hard to say without examining you.  But that is good.  All the best, "Dr. Joe"

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Sientra implants: healing after augmentationIt would appear from your info and photos that you may have some drop  out on the left side.i dont know how the doctor placed them or what you looked like before surgery.  taping and wearing an underwire can help..  check with your doctor

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for this question.  It appears from your pictures that you may have left breast implant displacement where the implant has stretched the tissues holding it up.  However, sometimes if one breast is slightly lower than the other before surgery, the surgeon may have placed the implant on that side lower to compensate.  It is more common for smooth than textured implants to drop although can happen with either.  Surgery will fix this issue.  Go see your surgeon to discuss this further.

I have Sientra Breast Implants 350cc, went from 34a to 34d. Am I Bottoming out or getting double bubble? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Sientra implants: healing after augmentation

Answer: Sientra implants: healing after augmentation

Answer: Double Bubble Deformity

Answer: Double Bubble Deformity

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I have Sientra Breast Implants 350cc, went from 34a to 34d. Am I Bottoming out or getting double bubble? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Sientra implants: healing after augmentation

Answer: Sientra implants: healing after augmentation

Answer: Double Bubble Deformity

Answer: Double Bubble Deformity

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

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