Does implant rippling after reconstruction always require surgical revision or can it improve on its own?

Question

I had a nipple/skin sparing prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with tissue expander placement in June of this year. In October I exchanged for anatomical silicone implants (Mentor MemoryShape). I am having some rippling which seems to be getting worse. Its somewhat visible on the right when I stand upright, but really apparent on both sides when I bend over. Will this require surgical revision? If so, what kind? I am 5'3, approx. 115 lbs. Thank you :)

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Rippling is the result of thin tissue coverage. Sometimes alloderm or fat grafting can help. Best to be seen in person.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Unfortunately the rippling doest get better on its own!Fat grafting is a valuable tool in breast surgery.  This technique has gained more popularity
over the past 7 years.  There are many
techniques used to harvest the fat, process the fat and then re-inject the fat.
Conventional suction lipectomy is performed with a small diameter cannula,
processed by separating the liquid and fibrous tissue from the fat, and then
placed into syringes for re-injection or through a closed system.

Please find an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
and member of the Aesthetic Society using the Smart Beauty Guide.  These Plastic Surgeons can guide you on all
aspects of facial surgery, breast augmentation and body procedures including
tummy tucks or mommy makeovers!

C. Andrew Salzberg, MD · Answer

Hello,Visible rippling of your breast implant will not improve over time on it's own. Surgical correction will be needed. There are several options to correct visible rippling. A procedure that I perform most commonly is called fat grafting. This is where fat is harvested from an area of your body such as the abdomen, hips, or flanks using traditional liposuction technique and then grafted to the breasts to add volume over the implant and diminish the appearance of rippling. Other surgical techniques that can be done in addition to or in lieu of fat grafting include exchanging the current implant out for a more cohesive, form stable implant or adding an acellular dermal matrix such as Alloderm. I would suggest meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon to further discuss these options and see which of them is best for you.Good luck!

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

The rippling is due to the thin coverage of the implant after nipple sparing mastectomy. There are several strategies, and procedures that can be done to reduce the rippling, 1: use of acellular matrix2: fat grafting3: Possible use of gummy bear silicone implant4: if all fails, Latismus dorsi muscle flap

Does implant rippling after reconstruction always require surgical revision or can it improve on its own?

Answers (4)

More Breast Reconstruction Questions

Should breast implants after reconstruction begin to sag and ripple after 6 weeks? (photo)

Reconstruction for a double lumpectomy/no cancer, not covered by insurance?

What body factors impact expander vs. direct to implant breast reconstruction?

I had a nipple sparring mastecomy. With the expanders my nipples are always erect will that continue that way after exchange?

How Many Cc's of Saline Do I Need to Expand to a Size D. I'm Currently Expanded to a C. My Fills Are 60 Cc'c Once a Week?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS