Double bubble is a relatively rare post-operative deformity that can occur after breast augmentation with implants. These deformities are caused by breast implant malposition where the implant has dropped lower than the breast on the chest wall.
What Does a Double Bubble Do to My Body?
The double-bubble deformities present themselves as a bulge right beneath the breasts. These bulges form an indentation that runs along the lower curve of the breast. The resulting deformation ends up resembling a pair of bubbles stacked over the other; hence the loosely-used name, double bubble.
How Does Double-Bubble Deformity Form?
The timing of the development of your double bubble can be rather crucial when determining its cause. For some women, a double bubble can form immediately after surgery. In others, the deformity gradually occurs over some time. There are several reasons why women will develop double-bubble implant complications, including:
- Selecting an implant size that is disproportionally too large for the patient’s breast
- Implants that are positioned too low on the chest wall, and violation of vital anatomic landmarks
- Sagging breasts at the time of the augmentation procedure that a breast lift overcorrected
- Capsular contracture
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How Can I Correct Double-Bubble Complications?
Double-bubble implant complications are typically corrected with breast implant revision surgery. This begins with an appointment with your plastic surgeon, who can identify the root cause and the severity of the complication. Through this, your surgeon will then develop a surgical plan that is tailor suited to address your particular deformity. Based on the assessment of your surgeon, the following techniques may be used during the procedure itself:
- The surgical revision of both the breast fold (possible use of mesh) and breast pocket
- Changing the placement of the breast implant concerning the pectoralis major muscle
- Replacing the current implant with a smaller, more proportionate size
- Breast lift (mastopexy) surgery
- Capsulectomy (if capsular contracture is responsible for the complication)
Revisional Breast Surgery Before and After Photos
What Can I Do to Prevent Double-Bubble Complication?
While these complications can occur, it is essential to remember that these instances can be greatly minimized under the hands of a skilled surgeon specializing in the breasts’ surgical enhancement.
If you see signs of this deformity after your surgery, it is important to schedule a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.
