I have slight rippling between cleavage, will this get worse? What am I to do? (Photos)

Question

5 months post revision op and I have slight rippling on both sides between my cleavage, under the breasts and on the sides. For now it's not visible, but I can feel it. What am I to do? Is it normal? Will it get worse? Second question, when laying down, it feels as if they fall very much to the sides, attached photos. If feels uncomfortable and like they sit under my arms. Is this how implants normally sit when laying on your back?

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Thanks for the photos.  Things look pretty good and the implants look well centered on your nipple/areola complex.  The reason why you feel your implants off to the side is based on the way your rib cage is shaped.  However, the best indication of your implants falling out too far laterally (to the side) is your NAC.  In your case, the NAC is well centered on your implants so I would say things look pretty good.
As far as the rippling goes, I don't see any, but you have implant palpability which is normal in the areas you described.  There is no muscle coverage in those areas, so feeling the implant is a lot more common in those areas.  As far as will things get worse, difficult to say as every persons body changes with time, so more so than others.

Hope that helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MrsBA,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ramiro Morales, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is not uncommon to feel the implants under the skin, especially if they are saline and if there has been some weight loss to thin the native breast tissue.  So, if there is more weight loss, if you actually had some or plan on it, you might get more palpable or visible rippling.  Also you don't indicate if they are saline or silicone implants.  The latter will often times have less visible or palpable ripples.  As for the implants and the breasts falling to the side when lying down this normally happens to an extent with larger implants, over time and with natural breasts as well as the skin stretches as well as the pocket.  As it worsens, there is a solution although it can be temporary which is surgery to close the pocket laterally and force the implants to stay more centrally when lying down.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You don't appear to have much actual breast tissue, but fat grafting, if you have donor fat, could be added. Yes, breasts naturally fall to the sides when you lay down. However, your lateral pockets could be tightened so you have less movement.  Doing so will make them feel somewhat firmer.

I have slight rippling between cleavage, will this get worse? What am I to do? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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I have slight rippling between cleavage, will this get worse? What am I to do? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

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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.