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!

Jonathan Hall, MD · Answer

The Ideal implant has internal shells and two chambers, a posterior chamber and an anterior chamber.  The posterior chamber is always filled precisely to one volume which varies depending on the overall size of the implants.  The outer or anterior chamber has a range of either "high" or "100%"  For example, with the Ideal 370 implant it can be filled to 370 which is called "high" and corresponds to a moderate profile plus implants or to 415 which is called "100%" and corresponds to a high profile implant.  The design of the implant with the internal baffles and shells limits rippling and wrinkling. In my experience, the decision to go with " high" or "100%" depends on whether a patient is better served with a moderate plus profile or a high profile look.  A high profile might be more appropriate in a woman who has had children and wants to restore some volume to the deflated upper breast but may look less natural in a woman who has never had children and has a "tighter" breast and does not want to have an implant look.  The implant can feel slightly firmer at "100%" but I have not seen any change in the structure of the side wall which is supported by the posterior chamber and baffles.  
The Ideal implant is not designed to be overfilled beyond the recommended capacity.  All implants, silicone gel included, have some ripples along the size, and whether you feel these or not has more to do with the relative thinness or thickness of your existing breast tissue. So I would go with the experience of your board certified plastic surgeon but the Ideal implant because of its structure has less rippling then a traditional saline implant.  The decision on final fill, staying within the companies recommendations and design has more to do, in my opinion with the profile that is desired in your case and does not affect the ripples.  
In multiple cases and more than a year with the Ideal implant I have not noticed any more ripples in patients filled to the "High" or lesser volume vs the "100%" or greater of the two recommended volumes.  
A somewhat long discussion but I hope this helps.

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!

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

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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 (10)

Answer: Ideal Implant Fill Volumes

Answer: Ideal Implant Fill Volumes

Answer: Ideal Implants Aren't

Answer: Ideal Implants Aren't

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ideal Implant

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