There is no question that breast augmentation has been the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure for a number of years. According to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons, a total of 286,000 breast augmentation cosmetic surgeries were performed in 2012. Of course, every one of those women wants a successful procedure so that they can proudly show off their enhanced figure to friends and family. Most of these women will be able to do just that.

However, there are a few instances in which a breast augmentation procedure does not go quite as planned, and patients are left with unsatisfactory results. Dr. Paul Pin believes that patients should be aware of possible complications so that they do what they can to prevent them. The double bubble effect is one such complication that may develop after breast augmentation surgery.

What Is the Double Bubble Effect?

The double bubble effect occurs when the implant sinks lower than the inframammary fold (the point at which the lower part of the breast meets the chest wall). This condition occurs more commonly with implants placed behind the pectoral muscles of the chest (subpectoral) than those placed behind the mammary glands (subglandular).

What Causes the Double Bubble Effect?

There are a number of causes of the double bubble effect. Perhaps the most common occurs when the breast has drooped and the nipple has fallen below the inframammary crease. If the cosmetic surgeon does not perform a breast lift at the same time as the augmentation procedure, the implants (which should sit behind the nipple) will also fall below the inframammary crease. The double bubble effect may also occur following pregnancy, particularly if the breasts become heavy enough to fall below the inframammary crease.

Double bubble can also occur as a result of selecting implants that are too big and heavy for the chest wall; in these cases, the chest wall is unable to properly support them. Dr. Pin will recommend an implant size and profile (the height of the implant compared to its width) that will provide patients with an enhanced figure, but will not be so heavy as to cause the breasts to droop below the inframammary crease.

Finally, the double bubble problem can occur due to capsular contracture, in which there is a buildup of excess scar tissue around the implant pocket. This scar tissue will tighten around the pocket and push the implants downward.

Correcting for Double Bubble

There are several ways to correct for the double bubble effect, but they will involve surgery. If the breasts have drooped below the inframammary crease, a breast lift procedure can be performed so that the implants will be in their proper position. If the problem is due to capsular contracture, Dr. Pin can perform a procedure to remove some of the excess scar tissue, thereby relieving pressure on the implant pocket.

A double bubble will generally require some sort of revision surgery. Dr. Pin has performed many such procedures for women who were unhappy with their initial result from another surgeon. To schedule an appointment, contact his practice today.