Is sudden rippling one week post-op a concern? (Photos)

Question

I am exactly seven days post op. I am 5’6, 110 pounds 23, no kids. I got 500cc mentor smooth silicone implants under the muscle. They have been totally fine up until today when I leaned over and noticed rippling in my cleavage. I am going to meet with my surgeon tomorrow but I’m freaking out. Is this normal so soon after surgery? I can’t afford any type of revisions whatsoever. Is there a chance this will go away as the implant settles?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

At
one week post op you are very early in the healing process. Rippling is completely normal with implants. Swelling will continue
to subside and the implants will continue to settle while changing your breast shape. I
recommend follow up with your chosen surgeon regarding your post operative
concerns. 
 
Regards

D`Arcy Honeycutt, MD · Answer

I see the rippling on one breast.  The muscle usually hides ripples in this location.  I don't know if the implant thinned the muscle or if the muscle was thin to allow this to show.  You are also a thin person without much body fat to hide rippling.  Unfortunately, I usually see ripples worsen as swelling goes away.  Discuss options with your surgeon.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Rippling of the implant is determined by the covering of the implant. All implants ripple to some degree but the rippling is disguised better by implant coverage. In someone like you who is very thin with a larger implant, rippling is going to be a concern. It is unlikely that with continued time, implant settling, and a decrease in swelling, that the rippling will improve.....in fact, if there is rippling now, it will probably become more noticeable over time. Make sure you discuss your concerns with your surgeon at the visit. One option for patients like you is to choose a highly cohesive implant (such as the Allergan level 3 cohesive implant) which tends to ripple less than traditional implants but is slightly more firm.Hope this helps!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Initially with the swelling that accompanies surgery, and the stretching of your skin, you can see these bands develop.  As your results mature further you should see this improve but only time will tell.  Hope this helps.

Kirk Moore, MD · Answer

It is far too early to evaluate what will happen. Please be patient, follow your postoperative instructions and re-evaluate more at 9-12 months. It takes time for everything to mature and stabilize. Best.

Is sudden rippling one week post-op a concern? (Photos)

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Answer: Is sudden rippling one week postop a concern?

Answer: Is sudden rippling one week postop a concern?

Answer: Rippling

Answer: Rippling

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Is sudden rippling one week post-op a concern? (Photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Is sudden rippling one week postop a concern?

Answer: Is sudden rippling one week postop a concern?

Answer: Rippling

Answer: Rippling

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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