If you have rippling after breast implant surgery, how soon would you notice it?

Question

Hi, I was just wondering how soon after Breast Augmentation would you notice if any rippling would occur? I.e if 6 weeks post surgery you didn't have rippling, would it likely stay this way or could rippling occur over time?

Timothy M. Bradley, MD · Answer

The quick answer is: it depends. Some patients will see rippling within a couple months others it will take years, and in some patients they only see rippling along the sides of the breast when there is traction on the breast from gravity after several months.
Visible rippling is do to a combination of factors which include: capsule formation, how much native breast tissue the patient brings to the table, how much stretch/pressure the implant exerts on the breast, if a saline implant was used, how much it was filled, or over filled, and on the type of implant itself.Rippling can be seen in a couple of months for a number of reasons.one reason is due to Capsule (scar tissue) formation around the implant. Capsule forms around every breast implant. "traction" rippling can occur because this capsule tissue pulls on the overlying breast tissue and skin, and when gravity forces the implant downward, this capsule distortion causes visible rippling. This same thing can occur if a textured implant was used. The texturing "grabs" onto the surrounding capsule. If the surgeon over filled a saline implant by too much volume, the sides of the implant distort. This is referred to as "scalloping" by the implant manufacturers, and is why the implant manufacturers recommend against overfilling saline implants. Unfortunately, this is a practice of far too many surgeons, despite the recommendations of the manufacturer. If saline implants are underfilled, they are more prone to rippling. Saline filled implants tend to show more rippling than their silicone filled counter parts due to the physical properties of saline vs. silicone. Saline is a non cohesive fill material. It does not "stick" to itself. When gravity forces the saline to the bottom of the implant, the upper portion of the implant sags causing rippling of the overlying tissue. ( also known as the upper pole of the implant) ). The form stable silicone implants, known as the "gummy bear" implants goes a long way to reduce the visible wrinkling, but these implants have their own set of potential issues which your surgeon should discuss . Also, excessive pressure on the breast tissue itself from the implant, either because the implant was too larger, the patient had very little breast tissue, or the patient's tissues were very tight, will cause atrophy (shrinkage) of the patient's native breast tissue, and the pectoralis muscle given time. This is an unavoidable, inevitable consequence of continuous pressure on living tissue. Once the patient's overlying tissues have thinned out due to this soft tissue atrophy, the underlying implant rippling can be more visible. This usually takes months to years to occur. All these factors are why breast rippling is seen most often along the lateral aspect of the breast when the patient leans forward. The tissue is always thinnest at the lateral aspect of the breast. In this region of the breast there is very little to no breast tissue to hide the implant. Rippling here is almost inevitable given time, especially when a larger implant is utilized. All of these consequences of breast augmentation surgery should be thoroughly discussed with patient and surgeon before deciding on breast augmentation surgery. Your surgeon should be able to counsel you regarding these potential issues and how they may be lessened or avoided based on several of the aforementioned factors. Best wishes

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jellycar27,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast augmentation surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process at 1 days post op.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the implants are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides and the implants drop to their final position, you will be able to see the final result of your breast augmentation surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  After six months you would be able to identify visible rippling though the skin, but the risks increase with time as the tissues thin due to genetics and environmental factors.

Ali Gurlek, MD · Answer

between saline and silicone breast implants? The risks of breast implants? What happens if an implant ruptures? Get answers to these questions and more.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Rippling can occur at any time, but especially if you have minimal breast tissue or loose weight. Not all women get rippling.

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Rippling of breast implants can occur at any time following a breast augmentation. Because you do not notice rippling 6 weeks post-op, does not mean it will not occur in the future. However, the chance of developing rippling at some point is relatively small.
Best of luck!

If you have rippling after breast implant surgery, how soon would you notice it?

Answers (6)

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