Breast Implant Rippling: How to Fix Breast Implant Ripples
Breast implant rippling is a relatively common, yet unintended finding following breast augmentation surgery when implant edges are visible beneath the skin. Implant rippling is more noticeable when a woman’s frame is very thin, although there are additional associated co-factors that contribute to some cases. Some women feel distressed by the look of their breasts with ripples and may seek a solution depending on the severity of their symptoms.
Most of the time a woman will notice or feel rippling along the outer side of her breast near the implant edge. In fact, most women notice the symptom while bending forward with the breast hanging down. The rippling is usually present at the outer folds of the breast, near the underarm.
These ripples can appear as visible waves or wrinkles on the surface of the breast, creating an uneven or textured appearance. They can be more noticeable when the skin is stretched, such as when the patient leans forward or lies down. Ripples can occur in any type of breast implant, but it is more common in those with a thinner layer of tissue covering the implant. The rippling can be more pronounced on the sides or bottom of the breast, where there is less natural breast tissue to cover the implant. In some cases, ripples may only be visible upon close inspection, while in others it may be more prominent and noticeable.
What Causes Breast Implant Rippling
In general, rippling is associated with several contributing factors. Because each case is unique, a thorough exam by a qualified plastic surgeon can assist in identifying the reason for any specific cases of implant rippling. Some of the more common causes include:
- Inadequate breast tissue to cushion and cover the implant
- Women with relatively thin breast tissue are at greater risk for developing visible rippling.
- A capsule that is too small for an implant
- If the capsule that holds the implant is too small, visible implant rippling may occur.
- Fill level of saline implants
- Underfilling saline implants is closely correlated to rippling, however overfilling can also lead to rippling, so precise volume fill is crucial for natural results.
- Saline implants that have lost volume
- In cases of implant valve failure, saline implants can lose volume and cause ripples.
- Scar tissue formation to the skin
- While some scar band formation is natural, some women experience scarring or tethering of the implant that leads to implant rippling.
- Implant that is too large
- Occasionally, if the implant is too large in relation to the breast width, visible implant rippling can occur.
- Weight loss
- Fluctuations in weight, especially weight loss, can lead to cases of implant rippling as the tissue thins around the breast implant.
To avoid ripples and other complications, your surgeon should select an appropriately sized breast implant for your frame. Also, it is important that your surgeon has the necessary aesthetic skills for breast augmentation surgery. If your natural breast tissue is minimal certain options like using silicone implants, or placing implants under the chest muscle, tend to decrease the likelihood of developing visible implant rippling. Ultimately, choosing a plastic surgeon with expertise in breast implant placement can help minimize the occurrence of implant rippling.
Is it Normal to Have Breast Implant Rippling?
Many women wonder if it is normal to have breast implant rippling. Statistics show that up to 10% of patients with breast implants may exhibit some degree of implant rippling. Not all cases, however, are severe enough to warrant revision surgery. Breast implant rippling more commonly occurs in very thin patients or may become more likely over time due to the physical changes of the aging body.
Many women wonder if breast implant rippling will go away on its own. While breast implant ripples can be unsettling, it’s important to note that not all cases of rippling are permanent. In some cases, breast implant rippling may go away on its own as the body adjusts to the implants over time. However, in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the issue. It’s important to discuss any concerns about breast implant rippling with your plastic surgeon to determine if your breast implant rippling will go away.
Does Breast Implant Rippling Get Worse?
Breast implant rippling occurs when wrinkles or ripples develop in the breast tissue, which may be visible or palpable on the skin surface. The severity of breast implant rippling can vary from person to person, and it may depend on a variety of factors, including the type of implant used, the placement of the implant, and the amount of natural breast tissue present. In general, breast implant rippling is unlikely to get worse over time, but it may become more noticeable if the breast tissue thins out due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. In some cases, the rippling may be more apparent in certain positions, such as when leaning forward or lying down.
Breast Implant Rippling Correction Plastic Surgeon
In some cases, your plastic surgeon can improve the look of your breast implant and minimize the appearance of rippling by performing a fat transfer to cushion the area. Oftentimes, breast revision surgery is the treatment of choice for optimal aesthetic results.
Breast revision surgery may involve implant exchange, change of the implant placement, or other surgical techniques to improve the appearance of the breasts. Sometimes dermal fillers help support natural tissues and reduce the occurrence of rippling. The specific revision techniques will depend on the contributing factors to the implant rippling.
Breast Implant Rippling Revision Specialist Scottsdale Arizona
Dr. Ashley Howarth is one of the best plastic surgeons in Arizona for breast implant rippling revision surgery. Recognized for her precise surgical skills and keen attention detail, Dr. Howarth is available for in-office or virtual consultation to discuss any concerns you may have about your breasts or breast implants.
If you are wondering if you are a candidate for breast implant revision, the first step is to schedule a consultation where Dr. Howarth can perform a thorough exam and answer any questions you may have. After the evaluation and a discussion of your personal goals, Dr. Howarth will develop a plan to rejuvenate and restore your breasts, working with you every step of the way.
For women in the Scottsdale region and beyond, Dr. Ashley Howarth is a top plastic surgeon of choice for breast surgery involving implants, and other aesthetic procedures.
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