Many patients who’ve undergone breast augmentation surgery at our San Mateo, CA practice have achieved excellent results. With enhanced curves and improved body contour, these patients experienced a renewed sense of self and a better overall self-image. While the majority of our patients are satisfied with the results, there are times when some correction/revision may be required. That’s certainly the case with breast implant rippling.
We’d like to consider some of the basics when it comes to breast implant rippling. We’ll note different ways that plastic surgeons can prevent rippling from occurring, as well as the treatment options available if rippling does occur.
Why Does Rippling Happen?
Rippling is the result of the wrinkles and contours of a breast implant being visible through the skin of the breasts.
Rippling is usually visible along the sides and bottom of the breasts. Rippling can also be visible at the tops of the breasts while bending over or when the breasts are pressed to the chest by clothing.
Prevention of Rippling Through Pre-Planning
Proper planning of a surgical procedure is the best way to avoid implant rippling. During the consultation process, Dr. Griffin will note the patient’s breasts as they are, the amount of skin and tissue present, and other factors that may increase the risk of rippling after breast augmentation surgery.
By taking all of these matters into account, Dr. Griffin can tailor the surgery to the patient, addressing the patient's aesthetic goals while also keeping the realities of the surgical process in mind.
Selecting the Right Implant for the Patient
Saline breast implants tend to produce more rippling simply given their composition and nature. The risk of rippling is much lower with silicone breast implants since they are solid. Overfilling the saline implant may help mitigate some of the rippling.
Considering Implant Size and Profile
The size and profile of the breast implant can also contribute to rippling. Larger implants are more likely to cause rippling than smaller implants. Profile refers to the amount of projection of the implants; low-profile implants (the least amount of projection) typically result in the most rippling.
Ultimately, the ideal size and profile of the implant should help patients meet their aesthetic goals while also complementing their existing features.
Determining Ideal Implant Position
When placing breast implants, a plastic surgeon can position them beneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular) or above the pectoral muscle (subglandular). Generally speaking, there tends to be more rippling with subglandular implants since the implant is covered up by less tissue.
In addition to all of the above implant considerations, we will also carefully account for implant placement and how it will affect the final results of surgery.
Corrective Surgery for Breast Implant Rippling
If implant rippling does occur, corrective surgery can help smooth away the wrinkles and improve the results of the surgery. This revision procedure will involve removing the old breast implants and replacing them with new ones.
During this corrective surgery, a plastic surgeon will consider the following options when placing new implants:
- Swapping saline implants for silicone implants
- Reducing implant size
- Changing implant profile
- Placing the new implants under the pectoral muscle
Additional options to treat rippling may be considered depending on the extent and nature of the condition. Rest assured that the procedure will be carefully tailored to your needs.
Learn More about Breast Augmentation
For more information about breast implant rippling and how it can avoided or treated, be sure to contact our plastic surgery center. Our team will answer your questions and address your concerns so you can achieve your aesthetic goals.
