Is this double bubble or normal healing at 8 weeks post-op? (Photos)

Question

Hello! I plan to follow up with my surgeon as soon as possible but they’re closed over the weekend so wanted to get some input. 8 weeks post op following submuscular smooth saline implants (375 filled to 425 right and 445 left). The right has consistently been ahead of the left in dropping. Over the past 2 days I’ve noticed a slight crease in my right breast, most visible from the medial aspect. Does this look like a mild double bubble or just part of the dropping/healing process?

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

As you mentioned it's only been 8 weeks since your operation so things may change more. However, if they don't change within 3-4 months, it's very likely they can become permanent.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Looking at the pictures you have provided, it does seem to look like you do have a start of a double bubble.  I would recommend you follow up with your surgeon and see what their recommendations are.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question...You are still early post op. It can take up to 3 months for your breasts to settle. Please speak to your surgeon if you are still concerned.You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.
  
Regards,

Matthew J. Nykiel, MD · Answer

Hello and Great Question.  I appreciate the time you are spending researching this procedure.  My name is Dr. Matthew J. Nykiel.  I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, a Fellowship Trained Cosmetic Surgeon, and a Cosmetic Breast Augmentation Specialist.
Yes, it does appear that you have a mild double bubble.  However, you are still in the early stages of your healing process which most likely will disappear in the upcoming weeks as your breast continue to settle and take shape.  
I hope that helps!  Best of Luck!
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD
#CoreAesthetic
Breast Augmentation Specialist
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning!You do have a mild double bubble, and it may go away. If not, a simple capsulotomy can fix it in another few months!

G. Robert Meger, MD · Answer

Dear Itsboobietime:  It does appear that you have an early "double bubble".  What you are seeing is the original crease from where your breast tissue met your chest wall as well as the new crease where your implant meets your abdominal wall.  This will relax over time but may not completely resolve.My best advice is for you to wait at least 6 months and then assess.  If you are still unhappy with the result, there are things which can be done to improve this.  At any rate, it won't hurt you or your implants any.Best of luck to you.G. Robert Meger MD

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,You have double bubble, and it won't get better, contrary to many surgeons erroneous assertions.  Your pre-operative breast shape is a perfect example why merely looking at 'breast base width' is insufficient at truly determining maximum anatomic capacity. Your breasts are very wide, but your nipple to fold distance is short and asymmetric.  Your surgeon probably recognized the severity of this in the operating room, and proceeded to lower your fold, a controversial maneuver in general, but especially so when your breasts have glandular ptosis. My recommendations are to allow at least 6 to 9 months to elapse and assess them. If you are satisfied, then you are all set. If not, you'll need to visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons who specialize in revision breast surgery. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Itsboobietime09,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.I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast augmentation surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the implants are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides and the implants drop to their final position, you will be able to see the final result of your breast augmentation surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concern however the photos do not appear to demonstrate a double bubble. This occurs when it is necessary to lower the inframammary fold of very small breasts and in your case this was not necessary. It can take as long as 4 to 6 months for the implants to settle in and fluff and the final result to be realized. Try to stay patient and follow up with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

I would seek advice from your PS. Things will settle over the coming months as the swelling decreases. You may have some residual double bubble but best to see how things settle

Is this double bubble or normal healing at 8 weeks post-op? (Photos)

Answers (14)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Gastritis and scheduled breast augmentation. Can I still go through with it?

What are the risk factors for an anemic breast augmentation patient?

Breast augmentation while attending college: is a week enough for recovery time?

How long after breast augmentation can I resume household chores?

I have tuberous breast and also suffer from daily breast pain What should I do?

What can I do about a sore back and ribs after breast surgery?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS