Should I overfill the Ideal implants closer to 100% capacity to prevent rippling? I'm 5.4 ft, 108 lbs, rather thin breast tissue

Question

Greetings. I noted in some RealSelf reviews, patients had their Ideal implants filled closer to the minimum capacity & experienced severe rippling. E.g., one lady had the 300 cc implant size filled to 320 on the left, and to 335 on the right. While the right implant is fine (as it's closer to the max capacity of 340), the left had some severe rippling issue. Could you please tell me from your experience if you had any patient complained about rippling from Ideal & whether they had min/max fill?

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

There are a lot of things that can factor into rippling, implant fill volume is just one of them. Overall IDEAL does have less rippling but the thickness of the tissue covering the implant has a lot to do with it also. Without examining you it is difficult to know what you can expect so it’s probably best if you discuss this with your own surgeon. Best of luck with your procedure!

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

The Ideal Implants most closely resemble high pofile implants. They are structured saline implant whcih have a range of fill volumes. In general the lower fill volumes keep the implant a little softer but with a slightly higher chance of feeling (not seeing) ripples (mostly in the lower breast). This also depends on how much breast tissue "cover" you have. The less tissue the more you might feel the ripples.

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you of your question. Ideal implants have specific fill volumes which determine the projection of the implant. Many surgeons fill these to the mid-range without any issues of wrinkling. In most patients, I recommend the maximal fill volume to avoid rippling, so I have not seen this be a concern. . Many surgeons will post negative comments on these without having any experience with this type of implant. The Ideal implant is an excellent option for you and you should discuss your concerns with a surgeon who is experienced with this implant. Good luck !

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
They are still saline implants, and the multiple internal baffles don't make it much better than a single lumen device. Overfilling the implant will make it hard and ball shaped. Moderate to highly cohesive silicone gel implants are safe and effective, and combine ripple reduction without excessive firmness or change to their shape. Go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons who specialize in breast surgery. Best of luck!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! Thank you for providing a photo with your query. For your guidance, here is a list of generalized breast implant sizing for most patients:
32A      to 32C needs about 250-275cc
  34A      to 34C needs about 300-350cc
  36A      to 36C needs about 350-400cc 
 It is best to find a size in proportion with your whole body as one of the reasons for rupture or deflation of the implant is under-filling or overfilling of saline
solution. For example, if the implant shell is not filled with the correct amount of saline, there may be a crease or fold in the shell which often leads to a rupture. However, this is not always the case for all patients. Contact your surgeon and discuss realistic goals and expectations when deciding which implants are the best for you. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Should I overfill the Ideal implants closer to 100% capacity to prevent rippling? I'm 5.4 ft, 108 lbs, rather thin breast tissue

Answers (5)