6 years post-op - is my breast implant double bubble fixable? (Photos)

Question

Good evening, I had submuscular silicone breast implants placed in 2015. I do love the results, except after I had surgery any time I contract my pectoral muscles, my implants slide up revealing a double bubble. I have learned to live with it, but it makes me very self conscious during intercourse or anytime I work out with a low cut top on. Is there a term for this? And is it fixable? Thank you :)

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi. Your issue is quite common for implants that are under the muscle.  It is called animation deformity, and basically, it means that your muscle moves and compresses your implants\ when it contracts.  I would probably recommend that you leave it alone, but if you really hate it, then you could move the implants to a position on top of the muscle.  Unfortunately, if you do this, there is a higher chance you could have capsular contracture (where the scar tissue around the implant gets hard, distorts the shape of the implant, or even causes pain).  Also, there is a higher chance you could see visible rippling of the implant through your skin.  For these reasons, I'm not sure you would want to take that risk.  Talk to your surgeon to get an in-person opinion about these issues.  Best of luck!

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Your issue is not uncommon with dual plane placement because the muscle is detached. There are two methods to correct of it. Both involve re-attaching the pectoral muscle behind the implant. You can put the implants in front of the muscle if you have enough coverage over the upper pole, or convert to the split muscle technique to keep the coverage. Many examples on my website.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Mojojojo0209,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Scott Tucker, MD · Answer

With submuscular implants it is normal to have movement of the implant with pectoralis animation. This can be improved by moving the implant above the muscle, but there is the chance that if your tissue is too thin you might be able feel the edges of the implant. As good as you look without animation you may want to leave well enough alone.Good luck,Dr. T

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your implants could be placed on top of the muscle, but you will loose the support and may have more implant edge showing and sagging.  Keeping the implants under the muscle usually do best over long term.  You could consider going somewhat smaller and have your surgeon release more muscle in the inferior edge.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The risk vs benefit ratio to attempt to repair the "double bubble" deformity in your case might not be worth added risks. Best to seek only in person opinions from boarded PSs.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

A double bubble is present at rest. What you have is a very minor flexion deformity from being under the muscle. Most submuscular patients have some degree of this and yours is quite small. Either leave it alone or consider an above the muscle replacement.

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