Breast augmentation is a common cosmetic procedure. Implant rippling, visible folds or wrinkles, can be seen or felt. Understanding its resolution is important for those considering or who have undergone breast augmentation.
Understanding Implant Rippling
Implant rippling appears as visible waves, wrinkles, or folds beneath the skin, and can be felt as palpable ridges. It occurs when the implant’s surface creases, often due to insufficient tissue coverage. Rippling is more noticeable in areas with thinner natural breast tissue (e.g., outer sides, bottom, armpits), becoming more apparent when leaning forward or lying down.
Several factors contribute to implant rippling. Implant type plays a role; saline implants are more prone to rippling than silicone implants due to their fluid nature. Underfilling saline implants can also lead to rippling as the loose shell folds. Implant size relative to existing breast tissue is another factor; larger implants place more stress on tissue, more likely to ripple if too large.
Implant placement influences rippling risk. Subglandular placement (above the muscle) offers less natural tissue coverage, increasing visible rippling, especially with thin breast tissue. Submuscular placement (under the muscle) provides additional tissue coverage, reducing ripple visibility. Insufficient natural breast tissue, significant weight loss, and scar tissue tethering can make rippling apparent.
Does Rippling Resolve Naturally?
Breast implant rippling typically does not resolve on its own. It is a structural or anatomical issue, stemming from the implant’s interaction with surrounding tissues, not a temporary condition like swelling. While minor rippling might become less noticeable with weight gain adding tissue coverage, underlying folds or wrinkles usually persist.
The issue remains because the implant’s shell has folded or wrinkled; this physical characteristic does not spontaneously correct itself. Patients might feel rippling more than it is visible. For bothersome or significant rippling, intervention is required.
Addressing Persistent Rippling
When rippling is persistent or causes concern, several approaches can address it. Diagnosis involves a physical examination to assess rippling’s visibility and palpability, considering patient history and implant details. Treatment aims to provide more tissue coverage or modify implant position.
Fat grafting is a common treatment, transferring fat from another part of the body to the breast. This added fat provides natural cushioning and coverage over the implant, masking visible ripples in thin tissue areas.
Implant exchange is another approach, replacing existing implants. This may involve switching to a different type, such as highly cohesive silicone implants (less prone to rippling), or changing the implant’s size or profile to better fit anatomy.
Changing the implant pocket can also be effective. If implants were initially placed subglandularly, moving them to a submuscular position can provide additional muscle coverage, reducing ripple visibility. In some cases, implant removal might be considered if other solutions are unsuitable. The corrective approach depends on the rippling’s cause, patient anatomy, and aesthetic goals.
Minimizing Future Rippling
Proactive measures can reduce implant rippling during initial breast augmentation and revision surgeries. Careful implant selection is important. Highly cohesive gel silicone implants (“gummy bear” implants) hold their shape more effectively and are less prone to rippling than saline or less cohesive silicone implants.
Appropriate implant size relative to the patient’s chest anatomy is another factor. Choosing an implant too large for natural breast tissue can increase rippling risk. Optimal implant placement also plays a role.
Submuscular placement, positioning the implant beneath the chest muscle, offers more tissue coverage and support. This can reduce visible rippling compared to subglandular placement. However, rippling can occur even with submuscular placement in areas with thinner muscle coverage.
Surgeon’s expertise and meticulous surgical technique are important in preventing rippling. This includes creating an appropriately sized implant pocket (neither too large nor too small) to stabilize the implant and minimize movement that could lead to folds. Discussing these factors with a qualified surgeon can help tailor the procedure to individual anatomical considerations, aiming for a smooth, natural-looking result while minimizing rippling risk.