I have 275cc cohesive gel silicone Mentor implants placed submuscular 2.5 months ago. I have very noticeable rippling on the outer and bottom sides, and also in the upper cleavage area where the implants are supposed to be covered by the muscle. I can even see faint rippling in the upper cleavage area even when I stand upright. Is there anything I can do to increase the thickness of chest muscles to better cover the implants? Or do I have to accept this? I am 5ft3 and 95 pounds.
Answer: Breast implant rippling
It does not sound like your implants are submuscular. You are quite thin so the edges of the implant will be visible as rippling if the soft tissue coverage is inadequate as would be the case if the implants were above the muscle or on the outer lower edges where there is never muscle coverage of the implant edges. If there is any doubt about the implant position you need to be examined by another surgeon and possibly get ultrasound verification of the implant position. If they are not under the muscle they will need to be repositioned.
If they are under the muscle you will need to increase the soft tissue thickness over the areas of rippling. The cohesive gels are supposed to have less rippling than other types of breast implants so changing to another type of implant is not a viable option. That leaves you the only option of acellular dermal matrix (see the referenced webpage). Given your weight and height I do not think you will have sufficient fat elsewhere to allow for fat grafting to these areas.
I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision regarding your surgery.
My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.
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Answer: Breast implant rippling
It does not sound like your implants are submuscular. You are quite thin so the edges of the implant will be visible as rippling if the soft tissue coverage is inadequate as would be the case if the implants were above the muscle or on the outer lower edges where there is never muscle coverage of the implant edges. If there is any doubt about the implant position you need to be examined by another surgeon and possibly get ultrasound verification of the implant position. If they are not under the muscle they will need to be repositioned.
If they are under the muscle you will need to increase the soft tissue thickness over the areas of rippling. The cohesive gels are supposed to have less rippling than other types of breast implants so changing to another type of implant is not a viable option. That leaves you the only option of acellular dermal matrix (see the referenced webpage). Given your weight and height I do not think you will have sufficient fat elsewhere to allow for fat grafting to these areas.
I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision regarding your surgery.
My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
Answer: Rippling after surgery This is normal as your tissues relax and accommodate the additional volume of the implants. It is more common in patients with thinner skin and less of their own natural breast tissue.
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Answer: Rippling after surgery This is normal as your tissues relax and accommodate the additional volume of the implants. It is more common in patients with thinner skin and less of their own natural breast tissue.
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January 18, 2012
Answer: Breast Augmentation
All implants have wrinkling. If you visit your surgeon's office to try on sample implants, whether saline or silicone, they all wrinkle when you hold them in your hand. Wrinkling is less obvious with silicone implants. So you can at least feel good that you chose silicone. Your tissue is evidently thin enough, even though part of your implants are under your chest muscles, to allow the wrinkling to be visible. Wrinkling may be part and parcel of having the implant, especially if you are thin. Much of your implant may not be covered by muscle, like on the side and at the bottom Additional surgery to place a sheet of tissue (biodermis) can be done to improve wrinkling, but this is costly. Sorry you are having trouble. All the best, "Dr. Joe"
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January 18, 2012
Answer: Breast Augmentation
All implants have wrinkling. If you visit your surgeon's office to try on sample implants, whether saline or silicone, they all wrinkle when you hold them in your hand. Wrinkling is less obvious with silicone implants. So you can at least feel good that you chose silicone. Your tissue is evidently thin enough, even though part of your implants are under your chest muscles, to allow the wrinkling to be visible. Wrinkling may be part and parcel of having the implant, especially if you are thin. Much of your implant may not be covered by muscle, like on the side and at the bottom Additional surgery to place a sheet of tissue (biodermis) can be done to improve wrinkling, but this is costly. Sorry you are having trouble. All the best, "Dr. Joe"
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October 5, 2011
Answer: Rippling common on very thin patients with breast implants
Dear Tarang,
The only thing that will work is to gain a few pounds. I would highly discourage trying to work your pecs as this might actually push the implants out of place and give you more problems. I've seen this many times on patients that are workout instructors. Best of luck, Dr. H
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 5, 2011
Answer: Rippling common on very thin patients with breast implants
Dear Tarang,
The only thing that will work is to gain a few pounds. I would highly discourage trying to work your pecs as this might actually push the implants out of place and give you more problems. I've seen this many times on patients that are workout instructors. Best of luck, Dr. H
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 2, 2011
Answer: Rippling after silicone gel implants
Are you sure your implants were placed in a submuscular position? I would make sure of that first. Given your weight, you are at risk for rippling. One other option not mentioned already would be fat grafting to provide more cover over the implants. Essentially, your fat from another part of your body would be carefully injected in the areas where you have rippling. This has to be done by someone who is experienced so that the implants aren't damaged. Good luck.
Helpful
October 2, 2011
Answer: Rippling after silicone gel implants
Are you sure your implants were placed in a submuscular position? I would make sure of that first. Given your weight, you are at risk for rippling. One other option not mentioned already would be fat grafting to provide more cover over the implants. Essentially, your fat from another part of your body would be carefully injected in the areas where you have rippling. This has to be done by someone who is experienced so that the implants aren't damaged. Good luck.
Helpful