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Breast Implant Rippling Normal?

asked 3 years ago by Daisy2000 in Bentonville, AR 72712
Latest answer by Teanoosh Zadeh, MD
Question viewed 28,240 times
Tags: saline implants, rippling, side effects

I have a consultation in a couple of weeks for Saline breast implants but I recently read an article which said that most women with implants will develop some type of rippling. Is this true? Will this happen right away? I would rather not have implants at all if there is a good chance of rippling. I am a size B now and will be going to a full B/small C. I would rather do Silicone for the feel, but am scared to. Thank you.

32 answers to Breast Implant Rippling Normal?

+4

No

Hello, Having used saline breast implants for many years, I can say this depends upon a few things: (1) Haw much tissue you have to cover the implants - the more the better as more tissue hides the implants better. (2) How large an implant model you choose - the larger the implant the more likely the rippling. Rippling is just one of the signs of implants seen when the soft tissue coverage is on the small side. I have had very few problems with rippling using saline-filled implants when the... more
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+4

Rippling is common with saline implants and very rare with silicone implants

If you are getting saline implants, you should be prepared to accept some rippling. Rippling, when it happens, is usually only palpable but not visible. Many women are happy with saline implants inspite of some rippling. It can be visible, and this is distressing, specially in the cleavage area. There are two things which can be done to minimize the risk of rippling. The implants should be overfilled and also avoid textured implants. Use smooth walled implants instead. With silicone implants... more
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+3

Rippling risk and breast implants

There are many factors that can affect the risk of rippling. The most important are the quality and thickness of a patient's skin and tissues, the choice of implant type and size and the technique used by the surgeon. While a patient has no control over the first factor, she can certainly minimize the risk of rippling by choosing a denser cohesive silicone gel implant that is not wider than her natural breast and by having the implant placed beneath the muscle. While the choice... more
Arie Benchetrit, MD

Montreal Plastic Surgeon
+3

Implant Rippling can be Insignificant

You can have a very attractive and natural result without any significant rippling: Silicone implants will have far less rippling than saline Implants placed under the muscle have less rippling If the width of the implant is less than the width of your natural breast, you are much less likely to have palpable ripples Almost every woman will have some degree of palpable (not necessarily visible) rippling in the breast crease. If you know you cannot tolerate... more
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

www.pzwiebel.com

+3

Information on Breast Implant Rippling

Breast implant rippling is a common occurrence that can happen with either saline or silicone implants. It is more common with saline due to the inherent fluidity of saline in comparison to the cohesiveness of silicone gel. Rippling is a result of seeing and feeling the natural folds of the implant. Thus, situations where the coverage of the implant is less, rippling becomes more apparent. For example, in women with small breasts and thin tissues, we recommend placement of the implants... more
David Bogue, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

+3

Most saline implants will have some ripple over time.

Most patients with very minimal breast tissue will notice ripples with a saline implant. We always recommend silicone implants for women with very small breasts or thin skin on the breast. Even if the implant is behind the muscle, ripples can develop. Make sure that your physician overfills the saline implants. You should not be afraid to have silicone implants. The complication rate is no higher than saline implants. The biggest difference is that the incision is slightly larger with... more
David A. Dreyfuss, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+3

Important distinction is visible vs. palpable rippling of saline implants

All saline implants have ripples in their envelopes based on the geometry of the implant, the physiology of a fluid- filled "sack" (which is really what a saline breast implant is), and gravity affecting the position of the implant on the chest wall...it's really just a matter of whether one can "see" or "feel" them. In order to lessen that to some degree, most of us "overfill" the implant "shell" a bit to try to lessen that; however, they are usually still present but maybe to a lesser... more
James F. Boynton, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+3

Most saline implant patients will have ripples if they carefully inspect their implants

Though it doesn't bother most of them enough to switch to gel, most saline patients will have palpable wrinkles and ripples along the outer side of their implants especially if they lean forward. This is true even under the muscle and more so if they are thin and have minimal breast tissue. Modest overfilling of the implants doesn't change this either. The gels are the way to go if this would bother you. If it wouldn't, stay with the saline. Remember that from 1991 to 2007, there were... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Rippling risks and breast implants

Dear patient, Visible rippling is more problematic with saline implants rather than silicone implants. The degree to which the rippling is visible is dependant on the amount of body fat and breast tissue you have. Silicone implants are not dangerous to your health and there are many scientific studies to show that fact..
Teanoosh Zadeh, MD

Montreal Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast Implant Rippling

Rippling from breast implants can occur from both saline or silicone implants. It is more commonly seen in patients who have had excessive release of the pectoral muscles medially and are very thin with little to no breast tissue medially as well as laterally. It really depends on the habitus of the patient, the amount of breast tissue. Ideally, in a patient that has a moderate amount of breast tissue, saline or silicone implants are fine. One can always feel breast implants in the outer... more
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Wrippling is common

Unfortunately, saline implants lead to varying degrees of wrippling.  Over the muscle, the number probably approaches 100 % on some part of the breast.  Under the muscle which is usually a partial submuscular pocket, you will see wrippling laterally above the crease because there is almost never muscle coverage here.   This wrippling is often enhanced especially if you are bending over to get something off of the floor. 
Vishnu Rumalla, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast Augmentation

 Yes,  saline breast implants  frecuently  give rippiling  but they are more frecuently develop in very thin patients  with little breast tissue.  Read the companies  information about safty issues  and also the FDA information, you will fell better after you get more information about silicone implants.
Alejandro J. Quiroz, M.D.

Mexico Plastic Surgeon
+2

Silicone breast implants and rippling

Silicone has a lower rippling profile and if you are thin breasted, you may choose to go with these implants.  Silicone breast implants are safe to use and fill the need for patients in your situation. 
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2

Rippling uncommon with reasonable implants

Dear Daisey, Although I am also concerned about rippling, I do not think you have much to worry about.  You have reasonable goals and have selected silicone implants.  It is unlikely that you will notice rippling based on the info you provided.  Patients who have very thin coverage (A cup) and want excessively large implants (D cup) are much more likely to have issues with rippling.  The only piece of advice I have to offer is that I suggest you place the implants... more
Michael A. Bogdan, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Implant rippling: how to reduce the risk

Any implant can produce rippling or wrinkling, particularly if you are very thin and have little tissue to cover the implant.  To reduce the risk of rippling or wrinkling, have the implant placed below the muscle, choose a silicone implant, and choose the smallest implant that will meet your goals.
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Rippling with breast implants

Rippling with all types of breast implants is common.  Luckily most of the time, the rippling is not visible and only sometimes palpable.  There are many factors that determine how visible or palpable implants will be: 1. Implant type - Saline implants ripple much more frequently and readily than silicone implants because the filler material does not hold its form as well.  Also, textured implants tend to ripple more often. 2. Implant location - Implants placed... more
Naveen Setty, MD

Plano Plastic Surgeon
+2

To Minimize Rippling, Stick with Silicone implants

Rippling following breast augmentation happens with some frequency, and in some cases may not be completely avoided.  Nevertheless, there are certain things that can be done to minimize the chance of  it occurring.  Visible rippling is most common in thin women who use saline implants.  So the first thing to consider is the use of silicone implants.  They are much less likely to show rippling than saline.  Don't worry, they have been shown to be... more
Kevin F. Hagan, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon
+2

Yes, but it's not ideal!!

Rippling is a fairly common risk factor of implants and is one of the reasons that plastic surgeons were all happy to see silicone implants come back on the market.  Silicone gel implants are less likely to ripple than saline implants.  Also, thin patients tend to have more problems with rippling than patients who are heavier or who have more breast tissue to begin with.  In most patients, the rippling is most significant in the lower, outside part of the breast where there is... more
Daniel Sherick, MD

Ann Arbor Plastic Surgeon
+2

Contour irregularities (eg. rippling) more likely with saline implants.

Any implant can create some contour problems but this is much less likely with silicone gel (because of the higher viscosity of silicone gel over saline).  The thinner the patient, the more likely contour issues will be seen (less camouflage from subcutaneous fat and breast tissue).   Saline implants are not safer than silicone implants.  Period.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Rippling is common

Daisy- it is possible that your breast implants will begin to ripple when they are settled in your chest. This is very common. Saline is more likely to ripple because of its texture and motion, where silicone is more like a gel. Some women show rippling more than others because they have less breast tissue to conceal the implant. You should discuss your concerns with you surgeon.
Joseph G. Bauer, MD

Alpharetta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Not everyone experiences rippling.

There are a few general guidelines when I discuss rippling with patients 1. Saline ripples to a much greater degree than silicone. 2. Women with less breast tissue are more likely to notice rippling. 3. The larger the implant size you choose, the more likely you will notice some rippling. (If your doctor is choosing the size for you please be aware that most physicians choose a size LARGER than the size the patient would choose -- or want) 4. Rippling is usually most... more
Richard H. Fryer, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast implants and rippling

Rippling refers to the visible edges of a breast implant that can be seen through the skin; and sometimes felt through the skin. This usually occurs on the outer/side region of the breast and is more commonly seen in saline implants compared to silicone implants. Also, women who are especially thin with little breast tissue are more prone to the rippling or wrinkling phenomenon. If you have rippling with saline implants, you can have them exchanged for silicone implants which may minimize... more
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Visible rippling of breast implants is possible but not inevitable

Hi Daisy2000. There is always a possiblity that you will have visible rippling of the implant. Implants have ripples, take a close look at them when you are in the plastic surgeons office. The question is whether or not the rippling will be visible and/or palpable. Patients with thicker breast tissue have an advantage in terms of rippling; thin patients with thin tissues are more likely to have visible rippling. Saline implants and textured implants are more likely to have visible... more
Tracy Pfeifer, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

drpfeifer.com

+1

Saline vs. Silicone gel implants

Rippling and palpation of the implants has a higher risk with saline implants compared to silicone gel implants. Silicone gel is the more natural feeling implants, however, your plastic surgeon will tell you whether you are a better candidate for saline or silicone. Placing implants submuscularly, will also reduce the risk of rippling. Patients who have more body fat and breast tissue to start off with are better candidates for saline. Those with a low percentage of body fat and hardly any... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implant rippling

Rippling with breast implants happens more commonly in women who are very thin. This is also more common with saline implants rather than silicone gel implants.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implants - is rippling normal?

Rippling depends on a lot of factors, amongst which are: 1-Compliance of the implant material- A saline filled implant is very compliant so it is more prone to rippling. A cohesive silicon implant is less compliant so it has less tendency to ripple. A Gummy Bear implant is the stiffest, so it has almost no tendency to ripple. 2-Compliance of the soft tissue cover- An implant on a very slender woman is more likely to show rippling than on a full figured woman because of the thicker... more
Ricardo Rodriguez, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rippling after breast augmentation

All breast implants possess the inherent potential to "ripple". Rippling can be minimized by added extra volume/fluid to saline implants; saline implants filled to actual volume (300 cc implant filled to 300ccs) have a higher incidence of rippling. Theoretically, the more rippling the higher the risk of implant rupture due to the phenomenon of fold flaw...similar to the repeated bending of a paper-clip,,,,it breaks!) Silicone implants ripple less. The less tissue coverage or breast... more
John Philip Connors III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Saline implants will have some rippling

Both saline and silicone implants can cause rippling. However, you are more likely to have rippling with saline implants than with silicone implants. Most of the time, the rippling is minimal and does not bother the person. Most patients with saline implants are very happy. However, if you do get saline implants, you must be aware that there is a high risk of developing rippling which is noticeable. Silicone implants are safe. There is no evidence showing silicone implants cause any kind of... more
John Diaz, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Saline Implants Ripple

Unfortunately, one of the biggest complaints about saline implants is the rippling. Most patients find that it is only palpable but some have visible rippling. The thinner you are and the larger you go the more likely this is to become a problem. I do not reccommend putting saline over the muscle and in my experience I have found increased rippling with textured implants. Saline implants when overinflated to minimize rippling tend to feel more like water balloons and move under the tissue... more
Steven Schuster, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.schusterplasticsurgery.com

+1

Rippling of Breast Implants

It is possible to get rippling with any breast implant. It is certainly more commonly seen with saline implants and with implants that are not placed beneath the chest muscle. I place about 98% of my implants under the muscle and the majority of my patients choose saline implants. I very rarely see rippling with the current generation of implants.
John Whitt, MD

Louisville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rippling and saline breast Implants

Rippling of saline implants may be noticeable, particularly in small breasted women with little body fat. When breast implants are placed below the pectoralis major muscle, only about half of the implant surface is actually beneath the muscle -- the medial/upper half -- while the lateral/inferior half is immediately below the breast. Sub-pectoral placement is advantageous in patients who are slender and very small-breasted preoperatively, as the pectoralis muscle helps to conceal the... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+1

Rippling happens with saline implants

Saline implants will have some rippling. The questions is whether or not you can feel them or see them through your skin. The more tissue coverage you have the better it is. If you go behind the muscle with the implant, the better it is. If you don't go too big for you body so that your tissues don't stretch too much, the better it is. Also having the saline implant slightly overfilled will also help. Silicone gel implants is also another answer to minimizing the rippling effect. Having used... more
Bahram Ghaderi, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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