Open AccessPolyurethane-Coated Implants for Prevention of Double-Bubble Effect in Breast Augmentation
Author(s) -
Vitali Bagirov
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plastic surgery case studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2513-826X
DOI - 10.1177/2513826x211028926
Subject(s) - breast augmentation , medicine , complication , surgery , bubble , implant , polyurethane , mammaplasty , breast surgery , breast cancer , materials science , composite material , cancer , parallel computing , computer science
Breast augmentation is the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery in the United States, with approximately 279,000 patients every year. The so-called double-bubble effect (DBE) is a common complication in breast augmentation. This complication is characterized by folds running along the lower pole of the breast, forming distinct bubble-like protrusions above and below the fold. Factors that increase the risk of DBE include bulbous breasts and a large native breast volume. There is evidence that polyurethane-coated (PU) implants may help to reduce the risk of DBE. We describe here the case of a 47-year old patient for whom DBE has recurred in each of 4 tandem breast surgeries. PU implants ultimately appeared to prevent the DBE, leading to an aesthetically satisfying treatment result for the patient. This case adds weigh to the growing body of evidence that supports the use of polyurethane implants to prevent DBE.