How often are double bubble breast revisions performed? How do they happen? What does the revision procedure entail? (Photo)

Question

I got a double bubble in both my breasts immediately following my surgery. I am Getting a revision done soon but I would like to know how often these are performed, how it happened in the first place and what exactly the procedure entials. My surgeon has answered some questions but because he was the one who initallu did my BA, I’d like outside opinions. Thank you.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

This occurred because the implant pocket crossed the inframammary fold.  In some cases, the fold stretches and does not form a fold. To correct it the pocket needs to be closed so the implant does not cross the fold.  This is done with sutures inside the pocket.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

There are two things that can cause double bubble, and sometimes they are both involved. The first is when the implant drops below the bottom edge of the breast (inframammary fold) which may be intentionally done if the distance between the nipple and the fold is too short. Too much and you get a double bubble. The other is related to animation deformity with the dual plane technique. This is when the detached part of the muscle adheres to the capsule. If the crease pulls upward when you contract your pectoral muscle, then it is animation deformity. I suspect it is more likely to be this because the crease is so close to the nipple. Animation is more complicated to repair, usually involving conversion to the split muscle technique or subfascial with muscle re-attachment.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Boymama6336,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Usually this happens when the implants chosen are too large and heavy for the tissue. Your implants appear too large for your frame and tissue. Some surgeons will also try to lower the fold to accommodate such big implants.  Have your folds tightened and go with something smaller and less heavy.

How often are double bubble breast revisions performed? How do they happen? What does the revision procedure entail? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Double bubble

Answer: Double bubble

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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How often are double bubble breast revisions performed? How do they happen? What does the revision procedure entail? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Double bubble

Answer: Double bubble

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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.