Wavy breast implants. Is it possible to check on my implants or is removal the only option?

Implant complications include displacement, rippling, and rupture.  The most common implant-related complication remains implant displacement with subsequent breast asymmetry. This complication ranks second only to capsular contracture as the major source of dissatisfaction.   Implant rupture occurs at a rate of 1% per implant per year. If you are getting regular MRIs to detect silent rupture, then silicone implants do not have to replaced until clinically indicated.  Visible rippling can be improved by placing the implant under the muscle, switching to silicone, fat grafting to the breast, or the addition of a dermal matrix.  Implant records are kept by the surgeon's office in your chart and you should be able to sort this out. 

To find more information on your breast implants you can contact your surgeon who performed your augmentation, the facility where surgery was done, or contact Mentor directly.  Regardless I encourage you to visit a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an examination.  Any time there is a change in the condition of your breasts and/or implants it's always wise to investigate the issue.

What you are describing is "rippling" of the implant edge.  This is normal and does not mean that there is anything wrong with your implant.  Saline ripples much more than silicone, but silicone can still ripple.  If you feel any "sloshing" when you jump or run then almost certainly you have saline.  You could have an ultrasound done to determine if you have saline or silicone, but it would not be able to determine the size very accurately at all.

Dear Hrvatica,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question.  In terms of the implant type, you can try and get the implant information from your surgeon's office, as this should have been documented in the OR records. A physical examination can also determine the implant type. In terms of the "waves" you have been noticing, it would be hard to give you a definitive advice without an examination. They can be caused by capsular contracture, implant deflation, bottoming out, etc. Depending on the cause, revision surgery can involve open capsulotomy and at times capsulectomy, changing implant pocket, changing the implant or a breast lift. I would see your surgeon or another  board-certified plastic surgeon for a full evaluation and advice. Best,

Pejman Aflaki, M.D.

Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon