Is This More Than Rippling? Cohesive Gel Breast Implants...

6 years ago in Medellin CO. In the last 2-3 years I've noticed rippling. Today I have felt something that I dont know I could categorize as rippling. My left implant is too rippled at the bottom-not smooth as the other. I dont feel pain, just discomfort in feeling this abnormality. So my question is, is this the expected rippling because it's been 6 + years or something more severe? I plan to replace in the U.S. (Carolinas).

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by SchneeWhite

Doctor Answers (8)
Community Comments (0)

Rippling Becomes Apparent with Tissue Thinning

Rippling does tend to become apparent with tissue thinning and occurs with time following implant placement. Changing implants may be reasonable. Adding a dermal matrix or fat grafting may help as well.

Rippling in breast implants

Rippling and wrinkling happen when the skin and breast tissue over an implant become thin enough that you can see and feel the implant. You may need implant repositioning (from above to below muscle, if they're not already below the muscle) or you may need ADM (acellular dermal matrix, like Surgimend) or fat grafting for increased coverage over your implants. Be sure to see a board-certified plastic surgeon who does a lot of implant revision surgeries.

Carmen Kavali, MD

11 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Rippling

Like everyone else, I will tell you I can't answer your question without examining you, but I would ask you a question. Have you experienced significant weight loss? If you did not have rippling before, but you do now, then one has to wonder why, and the most common answer is weight loss. If you have not lost weight, then it may not be common rippling.

Rippling in cohesive gel implants

Rippling occurs with folds in the implant seen through a thin skin envelope. It is best to be exained in person to evaluate this properly.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Rippling with Cohesive Gel Implants

Hi! Thank you for your question. I am Dr. Speron, a proud member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). I am also certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Rippling of breast implants is when you see folds or wrinkles of the breast implant through the skin. They are usually seen on the bottom or sides but sometimes in the middle, near the cleavage as well. There can... more

Rippling with silicone implants

Over time, implants can ripple and even fold in some areas. A fold feels more "pointy" than a ripple, but can be easily pressed in. If implants fold, their shells become weak in that area and have a higher chance of leaking. A good physical examination by an experienced plastic surgeon should be able to give you a diagnosis without having to resort to x-rays or ultrasound evaluations. Hope this helps.

Rippling of Cohesive Gel Implants

This may be due to capsular contraction or even rupture of the implant. An exam and radiographic studies will help to show what is going on. Last resort is surgery and implant exchange would be appropriate. Best of Luck Dr Harrell

Is This More Than Rippling?

Ripples, folds in the implant, are diagnoses by palpation, unless they are also visible. They are quite common. Without the benefit of an exam, I hesitate to comment. An experienced surgeon can answer this at the time of an in person exam. Thanks, best wishes.