Causes and Treatment for Double Bubble after Breast Augmentation

Mar 29, 2014

Most patients who opt for breast augmentation are very happy with their results. However, there are some circumstances in which patients are not happy with their new breasts. In some cases, they may decide that they want larger or smaller implants, or may want them removed altogether. These are relatively simple procedures. Procedures that involve actually repositioning the implants due to incorrect placement during the first surgery are less common, and more complicated. Dr. Deuber has performed numerous procedures of this type, often termed breast implant revision procedures because they are designed to correct improper results from a previous surgery.
Causes and Treatment for Double Bubble after Breast Augmentation - Dr Mark Deuber
One such revision procedure is to correct what is called the “double bubble,” in which the implant falls below the breast and droops, giving the effect of one bubble placed on top of another.

What Causes the Double Bubble Effect?

The double bubble will happen when the implant falls below the inframammary crease. This is the natural fold where the underside of the breast meets the chest wall. In such cases, the inframammary crease will lift up and away from the chest wall, and the implant will then slip down below the crease. In many cases, a double bubble effect can be the result of believing that “bigger is always better” when it comes to implants.

The cosmetic surgeon must have a good idea of not only how to accomplish the patients’ desired results, but also what can actually be done to reach those results, given the breast shape and where the inframammary fold falls.

How Can Double Bubble Be Treated?

There is no way to correct for double bubble without surgery. Most procedures to correct for the double bubble effects are similar to those to correct for implants that are too large. There may also be a tight band of scar tissue around the bottom of the capsular pocket holding the implant. If so, the implants will be pushed too far forward, producing the double bubble effect. These cases will require surgery to remove the implants and reposition them correctly. Scar tissue may need to be released or removed, and the pocket may need to be tightened. New implants, of a new profile and size, can be placed, if necessary.

Most cases of double bubble are a result of improper size for the capsular pocket. The surgeon should create an appropriately sized pocket for the implant. This will prevent the pocket from being too large or too small. In some cases, a breast lift may also be needed to lift up sagging, drooping breasts. If this procedure is not done in conjunction with a breast implant procedure, it will produce the double bubble effect because both the implant and the breast will sag.

There is no reason to accept a double bubble effect. Talk with Dr. Deuber about your needs and how cosmetic surgery can help bring out the “new you.” Contact Dr. Deuber today.