Is Exercising Changing my Implants?

Rippling after breast augmentation is due to a decreased amount of your own breast tissue covering the implant. Silicone implants under the muscle decreases the chance of rippling in very thin women with little breast tissue and fat. If rippling still occurs, fat grafting helps thicken the breast tissue over the implant and decrease the amount of rippling.

You have had the breast augmentation operation that will result in the least amount of visible rippling: silicone gel implants placed under the pectoralis muscles.

However, all implants ripple to some extent. If you are developing increased rippling it is likely because you are losing body fat (including some breast fat) and there is less of YOU to conceal your implants.

I generally advise my patients to try to forget they ever had the operation, and to do the activities they want.You can almost certainly hide the rippling when you need to with appropriate clothing.

You may be decreasing your body fat by working out, which is in turn decreasing the fatty tissue in your breasts that is covering your implants. This makes your implants show more, increasing the risk of visible rippling. However, just in case you may want to see your surgeon to rule out deflation. Best of luck.

Increased visibility of implant rippling can be because of two causes:  First is loss of overlying fat (and you did mention that you are working out and thus you'd loose some fat).  Second would be loss of implant volume such as in a leak or rupture.   If you are concerned you should see your plastic surgeon again.

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD

It is highly unlikely that the exercise has anything to do with the fact that you now seeing rippling.  You are likely seeing rippling because the implants are settling and the swelling has resolved.  You had very little breast tissue to begin with so there is minimal soft tissue coverage which puts you at a higher risk of implant visibility- thus rippling. Sorry!

All implants ripple-saline or silicone-I agree with previos answer that the tendenvy to see rippling is increased by less coverage of breast tissue. If your implants are place above the muscle and you lose weight, the amount of rippling you see may greater than below the muscle but overall weight loss even as much as 5 lbs can contribute.  Just keep up with your f/u appts with you doctor.

what causes wripplinging of breast implants? basically, all implants, including silicone implants, ripple. what makes the rippling not to show is thickness of the overlying skin. The thicker the skin and the more fat padding over the implant the less you can see the wripples. so in your circumstance weight loss caused a reduction in your subcutaneous fat, which made your implants show more.

Exercise can impact breast implants in various ways, but the extent and nature of these changes depend on several factors. Here are the key points to consider:
Types of Changes
1. Implant Movement and Position:
o Above the Muscle (Subglandular): Implants placed above the pectoral muscle are more likely to shift or change position with intense or repetitive chest exercises. The movement of the pectoral muscles can push the implants, potentially causing them to move or change shape.
o Below the Muscle (Submuscular): Implants placed below the pectoral muscle are less likely to shift because they are more securely held in place by the muscle. However, significant muscle development can still alter their appearance slightly.
2. Capsular Contracture:
o While exercise itself does not cause capsular contracture (a condition where the scar tissue around the implant hardens), excessive or premature physical activity post-surgery might contribute to complications that could lead to this condition. Always follow your plastic surgeon’s guidelines regarding exercise during recovery.
3. Aesthetic Changes:
o Muscle Building: Building chest muscles can affect the appearance of implants. Increased muscle mass can make implants look more pronounced or higher on the chest.
o Natural Movement: Regular exercise can help maintain overall body aesthetics, which can complement the appearance of implants.
4. Comfort and Support:
o It's essential to wear a supportive sports bra during exercise to minimize movement and provide comfort. This support helps prevent discomfort and potential complications.
Post-Surgery Considerations
1. Recovery Period:
o After getting breast implants, it's crucial to avoid strenuous activity for the period recommended by your plastic surgeon. This period allows your body to heal properly and the implants to settle into their final position.
2. Gradual Return to Exercise:
o When you resume exercise, start gradually. Avoid heavy lifting or high-impact activities initially. Focus on low-impact activities and progressively increase intensity based on your comfort level and your plastic surgeon’s advice.
3. Monitoring Changes:
o Pay attention to any changes in the shape, position, or feel of your implants. If you notice any significant changes or experience pain, consult your plastic surgeon promptly.
Long-Term Management
1. Regular Check-Ups:
o Regular follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon are essential to monitor the condition of your implants and ensure there are no complications.
2. Adapt Exercise Routines:
o Adapt your exercise routines to avoid excessive strain on the chest area. Focus on a balanced workout that includes cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training.
If you have specific concerns about how your exercise routine might be affecting your breast implants, it’s always best to consult with your plastic surgeon. They can provide tailored guidance based on your medical history, the type of implants you have, and your overall fitness goals.

Rippling is generally seen in areas of thin breast tissue. Also with strong pecs the implant is being compressed at the top, forcing the skin to skin out or the implant to deform See your plastic surgeon to further evaluate. .

Thank you for the question.

A couple of issues come to mind given your description of your presurgery situation and your current problem. As you exercise and drop body fat there is less coverage of the breast implants exposing you to seeing or feeling the breast implants more (rippling). Also, heavy exercise may gradually pushed the implants to the sides of the chest where there is less coverage of the implants;  you may begin to feel the implants more on the sides of the breasts.

Some thoughts regarding rippling of breast implants in general...Palpability  and rippling of breast implants may be related to several factors. These include the amount of soft tissue and breast tissue coverage over the breast implants, the position of the breast implants (submuscular versus sub glandular), the type of implants (saline versus silicone), and the degree of overfilling of saline filled implants. Generally, weight loss will extension weight any rippling/palpability  of the implants.  Deflation of the implants will also increase the rippling/palpability of the implant.

Correction of the rippling may involve further surgery including implant pocket exchange if possible ( sub glandular to submuscular), implant exchange if possible (saline to silicone), and/or the use of allograft to provide an additional layer of tissue between the implant and the patient's skin. Patient weight gain (if possible) may also be helpful.
 

I hope this helps.