What is breast implant rippling?
Rippling is exactly how it sounds; it is wrinkling of the breast implant surface that can be seen and/or felt.
Only a small percentage of breast augmentation patients experience visible implant rippling. Breast implant rippling can be felt along the outer side of the breast and the inner side of the breast next to the cleavage.
What causes breast implant rippling?
Rippling is caused by poor tissue coverage. Those with small breasts or a lack of breast tissue are more likely to have breast implant rippling post-operatively. Here at MYA, our surgeons use Mentor implants which come with a textured surface called SILTEX and are filled with cohesive gel, to create a safe and effective implant.
They even come in three degrees of filling from soft to firm, so you can choose your breast implants exactly how you want them to look and feel. Your MYA specialist surgeon will discuss which breast implants are the best for you based on the result you want and your measurements.
Does implant placing affect rippling?
Breast implants that are placed over the muscle offer the least amount of coverage as it is just behind the patient's natural breast tissue.
Women with very little breast tissue have a higher risk of rippling when their implants are placed over the muscle; this means that the surgeon might choose to place the implant under the muscle to reduce the risk of breast implant rippling and increase the likelihood of a natural result.
Implant placement will be discussed in your free consultation with your MYA breast specialist surgeon, who following a physical examination, will discuss the best option to achieve the result you want.
Does weight loss cause breast implant rippling?
Rippling will be less visible the thicker the skin or fat tissue that covers the implant. Breast augmentation patients who have dramatic weight loss following a breast enlargement will increase their risk of rippling. This is because when weight is lost, it is also lost from the breast tissue, which reduces the amount of tissue covering the breast implants.
Your surgeon will discuss these factors in your breast augmentation consultation and if you are planning on losing weight, it would be beneficial to do so prior to surgery and to attend another surgeon consultation as the placement of the implant might change along with your Body Mass Index (BMI), causing visible rippling.
Can pregnancy cause breast implant rippling?
Pregnancy can cause breasts to increase and decrease in size, therefore affecting the layer of breast tissue covering the implant. When the skin becomes thin, rippling can sometimes occur.
MYA surgeons have a wealth of experience and have carried out thousands of procedures with amazing results - see for yourself on our before and after page. Like any cosmetic surgery procedure, there are risks involved and our surgeons will inform you of these prior to surgery to ensure you make an informed decision.
Is breast implant rippling caused by larger breast implants?
Imagine trying to fit a shoe that's a size too big; it doesn't sit quite right. Similarly, when breast implants are too large for a person's natural size, it can cause rippling.
This mismatch puts extra pressure on the breast tissue and muscle, making it more likely for the implant to ripple or slide out of place.
Is breast implant rippling caused by implant type?
Saline implants. Silicone implants. Round implants. Anatomically shaped implants.
Whatever the breast implant type you choose for your breast augmentation, visible rippling is a possible side effect.
However, it can be avoided by going to a trustworthy, experienced surgeon who understands breast implant placement, how they sit with the natural breast tissue and how it will affect the overall look.
Treating breast implant rippling
Visible breast implant rippling can be corrected using revisional breast augmentation surgery.
This could include removing the breast implants entirely or replacing them with new ones to perfect the shape.
Can you prevent breast implant rippling?
Preventing rippling is a possibility. As a patient, it's vital you follow all pre-surgery instructions, as well as any aftercare advice given by your surgeon. This aids healing and helps the breast implants to settle into position, reducing the risk of rippling.
If you choose MYA for your breast augmentation, we promise to use the highest-quality breast implants available and determine the best and safest placement for your breast tissue to prevent visible rippling.
Breast augmentation surgery with MYA
If you're interested in breast augmentation surgery and want to learn more about the procedure, all you need to do is contact us today.
We also offer FREE eConsults. This is a great way to learn more about your potential breast augmentation and potential risks, including breast implant rippling and implant types (silicone implants, anatomical and round implants). Book your consultation today!
[1] Mentor Worldwide, LLC. MemoryGel™ Breast Implant 10-Year Core Gel Clinical Study Final Report. April 2013
