Is weight loss the reason for my breast implant rippling?

Breast Implant Rippling most often occurs when there is insufficient soft tissue coverage due to little overlying body fat and breast tissue. Implants placed beneath the muscle help to minimize this phenomena but the lower and outside breast (as pectoralis muscle is no longer present), towards the cleavage where the muscle thins out or on top of the breast where breast tissue is often lacking are the most common places to see rippling. It is often accentuated with certain positions (e.g. bending over,or leaning). Most of the time, rippling is felt along the outer side of the breast and the inner side of the breast next to the cleavage. Breast implant waviness (rippling) that is felt but not noticeable to the eye is very common and should not be a concern. However, when rippling is visible, patients are often self-conscious about their appearance.Factors that are associated with increased rippling include:Traditional Saline implants (IDEAL® Saline implants less likely)Textured implantsLarge implantsThin patients with low BMIImplants placed above the musclePrior history of ripplingFactors which are less likely to have rippling include:Heavier and larger breasted womenUsing a highly cohesive form-stabile silicone implants (gummy bear)Smooth implantsSmaller implantsSubmuscular placementOnce rippling occurs it is very difficult to correct. Rippling can be minimized by placing a biologic fabrics (e.g. AlloDerm®, Strattice™, SERI®), submuscular conversion if implants are above the muscle, fat transfer, use of adjacent tissue (muscle or fascia) if available, and in persistent cases implant removal and fat transfer. Seek the care of the best board certified plastic surgeon possible with experience in breast revision surgery.#rippling#breastaugmentation

This can certainly impact your results and cause visible rippling, since there is less tissue to cover the implant. You have also had a baby (congratulations!) and this can change the breasts as well, making them saggier. You may want to see your surgeon to determine what would be the best way to resolve the rippling. Best of luck.

 Weight loss may make your implants more noticeable.  To correct this I have done lifts, placed larger implants and/or used Strattice to make the rippling less noticeable.

Thank you for your question.  The weight loss itself does not cause the rippling around the implant.  All implants will have some scar tissue that forms around it.  This process is called capsular contracture.  Saline implants are especially prone to developing the rippling along the edge because of the implant itself and the capsular contracture process.  There are solutions for this problem.  Changing to a silicone implant, moving the implant under the muscle if it is above, using fat grafting to camouflage the implant, etc.  I would not suggest gaining weight to try to "hide" the implant, this is obviously not a healthy solution.  Seek the advice of your local plastic surgeon, they can help guide you to an appropriate solution.

Certainly in a smaller framed patient, even a small change in weight loss can cause the edges of the implant to be more visible ( rippling). To help mask this, you can either gain weight, change to a more form stable implant, or try fat grafting to the area ( questionable utility).  I hope this helps.

Weight loss does cause rippling, saline implants have the most ripples and with the thinning of soft tissue these implants more than gel can be seen and felt. Saline implants have the highest risk of all implant detriments, deflation and contracture, as well as rippling and malposition. Consider an exchange or a consultation to discuss your alternatives.

Thank you for your question. The implant rippling was probably always there, however, with your recent weight loss and breast changes with pregnancy you are now seeing this through the skin. I recommend that you have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. They will be able to go through the options to correct this issue. Usually, this involves changing the implant pocket location to under the muscle. I would also recommend you consider silicone gel implants, as these implants have a lower risk of visible rippling.Best Regards,Dr. Stutman

Thank you for your question.  Yes your weight loss could have resulted in less coverage of your breast implant and result in visible rippling.   One solution is fat injection to camouflage the rippling.  Please see your plastic surgeon.