Is this amount of visible rippling in breast implants normal or should I be concerned? How can this be fixed? (Photo)

Question

Have had saline breast implants (over the muscle) for 3 years however have lots of rippling now in my right breast implant. This has appeared to have gotten worse over the past year and when feeling the implant It feels very lumpy and can feel ridges as well as a small 'bubble' underneath. This feels and looks worse in particular when leaning forward. The left side appears to be fine. How normal is this? Could this potentially be a rupture or something else? What can be done to stop this?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Riri26c,
I understand your concern. Saline implants tend to ripple more often than silicone implants. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You and your surgeon picked the worst of both worlds; saline implants over the muscle. This shouldn't be a mystery why you have traction rippling in the upper medial poles (where its visible in public) of your breasts. You are thin and lean and you can have a much better result with replacement of silicone gel implants under the muscle.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

This is not a rupture. When saline implants break, your body absorbs the salt water and you deflate. Your tissue has been stretched and thinned from the weight of the implant so ripples are more visible. To correct this, the implants will need to be placed behind the muscle for coverage and also better support, or go with gel. If you change, I recommend going smaller. for now, wear good supporting bras.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Mostly, saline above the muscle is not a good choice for exactly your issue. Unless you have enough thickness of tissue you WILL see and feel wrinkling. Your limited photo suggest that you are thin and have large implants that are too wide for your body and that may have further thinned your tissue. A submuscluar conversion with a high fill percentage gel would make it much better. But seek in person consultations for sure.

Is this amount of visible rippling in breast implants normal or should I be concerned? How can this be fixed? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Too thin for saline above the muscle

Answer: Too thin for saline above the muscle

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is this amount of visible rippling in breast implants normal or should I be concerned? How can this be fixed? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Too thin for saline above the muscle

Answer: Too thin for saline above the muscle

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.