What to do about breast rippling? (photos)

Question

I’ve had my breast augmentation in August 19. A little over a year of my op I noticed visible rippling in my breast. I have not lost any weight since my op. I have seen my surgeon twice now and have been recommended to put on weight. After explaining I can’t put on weight as I’ve tried for many years it’s been left to no answers of what to do next. I am very insecure about wear tops that you can notice my breast. I’m so unhappy. What should I do?

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good evening,
You have rippling in the very worst location, and telling you to gain weight is a ridiculous recommendation. You have several options- if you are over the muscle then simply switching to under the muscle will do the trick. If you are already under the muscle, then the addition of Strattice mesh can thicken your natural tissues and reduce or eliminate rippling in this area. As a final step, not sure what implants you have, but in this location silicone tends to ripple more than saline, because of the lower internal pressures in the silicone implants. You could switch to a more highly cohesive silicone gel or an overfilled saline implant, both of which tend to ripple less than standard silicone gel implants.

Mathew C. Mosher, MD · Answer

Your implant rippling is in a very frustrating location for you. There are no easy solutions but there are options to consider and would require a consultation. All breast implants have the potential for visible rippling but the risk can be minimized with better (thicker) tissue coverage and with implant selection. The most common solution would involve repositioning your implants to below chest muscle. Less effective solutions for your thin tissues would involve the of cadaveric dermal and fat grafting. Gaining weight is not a practical option that will result in any meaningful improvement.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Rippling is usually a combination of features of the implant and the degree of tissue coverage. If your implants aren't under muscle, then moving them under will help. Fat grafting sometimes helps but isn't usually a definitive solution. Exchanging to an implant with a more cohesive gel often helps. If mesh such as Gala or ADM like Strattice are available, they can be extremely useful in this situation.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Trustworthy9324,
Saline implants tend to ripple more than silicone implants in general. Rippling can result due to many factors including thin skin, poor implant position etc. Sometimes, you can over fill the saline implant to help a bit, but this may not feel as natural. Another option is fat transfer. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will et more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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. Consult with another plastic surgeon for a second opinion.

What to do about breast rippling? (photos)

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Answer: Rippling

Answer: Rippling

Answer: What to do about breast rippling? (photos)

Answer: What to do about breast rippling? (photos)

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What to do about breast rippling? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Rippling

Answer: Rippling

Answer: What to do about breast rippling? (photos)

Answer: What to do about breast rippling? (photos)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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