Correction of Double Bubble Deformity

When implants are placed behind the pectoral muscle, rather than in front of it, women whose breasts have begun sagging naturally can experience a unique complication commonly referred to as double bubble. While the implant remains in place, breast tissue sags bellow it, creating the appearance of two separate breast creases.

How the double bubble effect can be avoided:

* Implant placement in front of the muscle fills out sagging skin and helps avoid this complication (although it can increase the occurrence of other aesthetic problems like the appearance of rippling) * A breast lift in conjunction with sub-muscular implant placement can help prevent inconsistent sagging.

The first type of the breast “double-bubble” deformity is an obvious deformity of shape in which the round part of the breast with the implant sits at the normal level for a breast, but the natural breast tissue and nipple have sagged downward. This double bubble look can occur immediately following surgery or over time because of pregnancy, weight loss or gravity.

The second double-bubble breast deformity is sometimes seen after submuscular breast implant surgery, however it can be also be seen in both sub-muscular and over the muscle breast augmentation. This look of a double bubble can be caused because the patients natural crease is very sharp, indented or constricted, and produces an obvious groove between the nipple and the new post surgical crease is lower causing a bulge below. In some cases, this condition gradually clears up if the breast tissue at the breast crease stretch out , however if it does not, a breast revision surgery may be needed to suture the skin and breast tissue down and correct the double bubble look. Generally there are four indications for the breast double bubble to be present.

1. The breast pocket or breast tissue is not sutured down.

2. The breast implants are sub-muscular and the breast tissue has slid off the breast implant.

3. There may be capsular contracture of the breast distorting the breast shape.

4. The breast implants are submammary and the breast itself has drooped downward.

The Surgical Procedure

For correction of the “double-bubble” appearance, the procedure can take from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. In order to correct this complication, revisionary surgery is necessary. Often times, if a patient requests for larger implants, the Doctor is required to lower the breast fold to avoid too much fullness on top. However, the original breast fold may be deep, forming a crease across the lower breast, causing the double-bubble. The crease may improve with time, as the implant settles. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Pousti takes his time in the operating room to make sure that he does what he can to achieve the patient’s results.

What To Expect After Surgery

Since the pectoral muscles have already been stretched and there is an existing pocket, there is very little pain or discomfort. Patients experience very minimal pain and there is less recovery time.

Resumption Of Physical Activities

Driving may be resumed in 1-2 weeks. Non-contact sports in 3 weeks. Contact sports in 6 weeks.
If you are considering revision breast surgery and are located in or around La Jolla, Riverside or San Diego, we invite you to contact Dr Pousti and arrange for your personal, confidential consultation.

Click here to see more “Double Bubble” cases

Tour our site to learn more about breast revision in San Diego, Riverside and La Jolla. Read testimonials from breast revision patientsof Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Tom Pousti. View before and after photos of revisional breast surgery patients,and send your questions directly to the offices of Southern California Breast Revision Specialist Dr. Pousti through our contact form.