Breast Augmentation: Q&A

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How Much of an Issue Is Rippling For Someone With a Lot of Breast Tissue?

I am choosing between saline & silicone implants. I am thin but have a lot of breast tissue. I will be going under the muscle with implants under 200 cc to go from a B cup to about a C cup. How much of an issue is rippling for women with fair amount to a lot of breast tissue? I don't know the volume range for the saline shell so I'm not sure if 170-200 cc would allow overfilling to lower the chances of rippling. Over the years, is rippling inevitable regardless of the amount of breast tissue?

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by B.W.

Doctor Answers (13)
Community Comments (0)

Rippling is less likely-

Visible rippling is most likely in women with very little breast tissue, placing the implant over the muscle and when using a large saline implant. Visible rippling is less likely in women who have more breast tissue, placing the implant under the muscle and when using a conservative silicone size implant. It sounds as though you fall into the latter category.

George John Alexander, MD

3 reviews

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Rippling, is it an issue?

There have been many reported cases of rippling with the use of saline implants. In terms of breast tissue coverage there are two types of rippling that can occur: visible and palpable. - Visible rippling is a lesser issue with silicone implants, particularly the form stable devices. - Palpable rippling can occur with both types of implants particularly in the lower, lateral aspect of the breast. This is due to less muscle coverage and thinner breast tissue... more

Rippling and saline implants

From your description, body type and size of the implants rippling should not be a major issue but there still is a possibility of getting rippling especial as time goes by and the saline implant may lose some of its volume. Correction at that point should be straight forward. Best of luck!

Small saline implants with a lot of your own breast tissue greatly reduces the chance of noticeable implant rippling

Thank you for your question. Long sentence.....If you have and maintain a good amount of your own breast tissue and the implant you get is at least 1 cm narrower than your breast base diameter, then there is a very low risk of getting rippling with a saline breast implant as long as it is a small implant (which 170-200cc is). I hope this helps.

Rippling with implants

Patients with a fair amount of breast tissue often do not get rippling. If there is not alot of volume and the skin becomes thin, rippling then is more common.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Rippling

Individuals with more breast tissue tend to not have rippling with augmentation. Women with very thin skin and small amounts of breast tissue have a higher risk for contour irregularities. Silicone implants are less likely to ripple when compared to saline implants as well. Our practice combines breast augmentation with fat grafting for those women who may have a slightly higher risk for rippling and this may be an option for you as well.

Rippling not likely

Is unlikely that you will have rippling after a small size breast augmentation as you described. It is important that the correct profile implants are used in the submuscular position (under the muscle) with a board certified plastic surgeon. Additionally, slightly overfilling within the range accepted by the manufacturer is recommended to decrease the chances of ripplig. Best of luck.

Rippling with saline implants

Saline implants were the predominate breast implant used in the United States for many years and there are many satisfied patients with them. The more breast tissue and/or body fat you have the less likely you will be to feel and certainly see the ripples. If you have a fair amount of breast tissue, in my opinion you will not have an issue with a conservative sized implant below the muscle. Thank you for the question and best of luck.

Ralph R. Garramone, MD

7 reviews

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

Ripples in breast implants

Because of the thicker more viscous nature of silicone gel as compared to saline ripples are less common with gel implants. Ripples are more likely to be noticed the implant is large and if the natural tissue covering the implant is small. Thus, ripples or less likely to be noticed when: 1. silicone implants are used rather than saline. 2. implants are placed below the muscle 3. small implant is used 4. a relatively larger amount of soft tissue including breast and muscle... more

Ripple is a small problem with submuscular saline implants

Given the fact that you have relativly good breast tissue to cover, are interested in a smaller implant, and will have a submuscular placement, the saline should do well with very little ripple. We think you will need more than 200cc, but would keep the fill within the 'range' for the implant, not overfilled, for the best feel and longevity.

Rippling after Breast Augmentation

Several factors impact the likelihood of rippling after breast augmentation: 1. Saline implant increase likelihood 2. Subpectoral placement decreases likelihood 3. The more breast tissue you are starting with, decreases likelihood 4. The larger implant you go with, increases likelihood. The way to think about it is in terms of increasing or decreasing chances, and your surgeon will be able to offer an opinion of the overall likelihood of rippling after breast augmentation... more

Rippling with breast implants

Rippling or wrinkling of breast implants happens more commonly in thin patients who do not have sufficient breast tissue. It also occurs more commonly with saline than with silicone. The subpectoral or submuscular location of the implants also can decrease the incidence of rippling. I would discuss these concerns with you plastic surgeon before choosing the type of implant (saline vs silicone). Best wishes, Dr.Bruno

Rippling post augmentation

If you have a fair amount of breast tissue, you will likely not see rippling and probably won't feel much rippling. Rippling can occur with either saline or silicone implants. High profile implants tend to ripple less than moderate profile implants. Putting the implants submuscularly will also help hide any rippling.