Why Does my Saline Implant Appear (And Feel) Lumpy?

Question

I had surgery for saline implants a little over 2 years ago. I had capsular contracture about 1 year post-surgery, which my surgeon corrected (extremely painful). My left breast is perfect, but my right breast appears lumpy; and to the touch, I feel lumpy ripples, as if there were air pockets in various places in the implant. Will my right breast have to be redone?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Reasons for a lumpy breast saline breast implant:

	1) thin skin with visibility of normal wrinkles

	2) capsular contracture with "scrunching" of implant causing folds

	3) textured surface causing folds and knuckles

	4) partial deflation of implant with collapse and folding

	5) underfilling of implants

	6) flipping of implant

	7) seroma

	8) heterotopic calcification

Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS · Answer

There may be a slow deflation of the saline implant or there is less tissue coverage making the feel of the bag much more obvious. Seek attention of specialist with revision surgery.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

Anytime a patient has saline implants and they feel folds or what may be described as "air pockets", it generally is the folds of the saline implant.  Depending on the fill volume of the implant, there may be a few bigger folds or a number of smaller folds, and if you have thin tissues, it is not unusual to feel them over time.  I would meet with your surgeon for an examination, but from what you are describing, you are probably feeling the implant imperfections.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Rippling can happen because the sof tissue coverage is too  thin. This can sometimes be corrected with silicone implants , under the muscle, or alloderm.

Delio Ortegon, MD · Answer

It is difficult to see from your photo. However, given your description, it is possible that you have a recurrent capsular contracture or some scarring of the breast capsule.  You should see your PS and consider a revision.  If you are unhappy with your options always seek a second opinion.

Why Does my Saline Implant Appear (And Feel) Lumpy?

Answers (7)

Answer: Rippling

Answer: Rippling

Answer: Breast implant and lumps

Answer: Breast implant and lumps

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Why Does my Saline Implant Appear (And Feel) Lumpy?

Answers (7)

Answer: Rippling

Answer: Rippling

Answer: Breast implant and lumps

Answer: Breast implant and lumps

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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.