I'm 2 weeks post op of downsizing from 1300cc to 800 UHP and I'm having some ripples on my left cleavage area

Question

I am unsure of how whether this is the skin folding or if it is true rippling, I currently have 800UHP sub glandular, with a Benelli lift, as I just downsized from 1300cc saline. And my doctor told me that I do not have enough fat to do a fat transfer, I was wondering what the solution to this problem can be as they are not visible when I wear a bra, and are very minor but bothersome to me. Will it eventually resolve by itself. Thank you

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello lollypollylolly In most cases correction of this problem will not be completely possible, however, improvement can be achieved depending upon the original cause of the problem. Subglandular implants may require conversion to submuscular position with creation of a new pocket allowing the muscle to minimize their problem. Patients with extremely thin tissues may require Acellular Dermal Matrix or other biologic fabric. Patients with textured implants may require changing to silicone implants. #post-op #rippling

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning!I do over 200 XL augmentations a year, so I am well acquainted with the issues of upsizing and downsizing. In your situation, which is actually quite common, the two best options are:1) switch to overfilled saline implants- yes conventional wisdom says silicone ripples less than saline, but not in the upper pole and cleavage areas- overfilled saline increases the internal pressure of the implant, smoothing out the edges. If you place the palm of your hand against your nipples and press inward the rippling probably goes away- because what you have done is increase the internal pressure of the silicone implants, simulating what saline would look like.2) inserting Strattice mesh to line the pocket, thickening and strengthening the tissues between the implants and the skin.Some patients choose #1 or #2, and some patients do both!I have attached a link to my Breast Augmentation Revision photo gallery for your review- hope it helps!

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

thank you for your question and photos. The rippling you are experiencing is not uncommon after downsizing significantly in implant size, because the skin and scar tissue around the implant are stretched by the larger sized implant.  Fat grafting is a reasonable option, and you often do not need a significant amount of fat to make a nice difference. Biologic mesh is also another option, typically more costly and is a much bigger operation. Best advice is to discuss these options with a Board certified plastic surgeon who can help select an appropriate treatment plan that is right for you.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Your nipples are in a suboptimal position; as time goes on your Benelli scars will be very noticeable and thickened, and your areolar diameter will expand. A breast lift would give you a pleasing breast shape, much improved nipple areolar complex position, and tighter skin. As for your implants, they need to be repositiond up and under the pectoralis major muscle. A more cohesive implant would also help, but not if it remains over the muscle. This should rectify a lot of the antero-medial rippling. Best of luck!

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

In general subglandular implants, especially over time will tend to ripple as you are seeing.  For now I would sit tight and wait until about 6 months time to see how things look.The treatment for rippling is to place the implants under the muscle to get better coverage of the implant.  Also using more cohesive silicone implants can help decrease the rippling as well.Hope that helps.

I'm 2 weeks post op of downsizing from 1300cc to 800 UHP and I'm having some ripples on my left cleavage area

Answers (9)

Answer: Implant Re-positioning and Breast Lift

Answer: Implant Re-positioning and Breast Lift

Answer: Breast Implant Rippling

Answer: Breast Implant Rippling

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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I'm 2 weeks post op of downsizing from 1300cc to 800 UHP and I'm having some ripples on my left cleavage area

Answers (9)

Answer: Implant Re-positioning and Breast Lift

Answer: Implant Re-positioning and Breast Lift

Answer: Breast Implant Rippling

Answer: Breast Implant Rippling

Browse related questions

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.