A rippling breast implant is a common complication of breast augmentation. It occurs when the breast implant wrinkles to a point where the patient can see or feel it. What causes rippling in breast implants, and what are the solutions for treatment? This article provides information on breast implant rippling; its causes, signs and potential solutions. The aim is to help you make informed decisions about managing or preventing rippling. This includes exploring alternative options such as breast implant removal.
Breast Implant Ripple Causes
Breast implant ripples can be caused by one or a combination of several factors.
The most common causes are:
1. Implant Type
The type of implant used determines whether your implant ripples. For instance, silicone implants are known for reducing the risk of visible wrinkles or ripples. In contrast, saline breast implant rippling is more common.
2. Implant Placement
Besides the type of implant, the placement procedure can affect the risk of rippling. When the implants are placed in a subglandular position, they have less natural tissue coverage, which causes the ripple’s visibility to be more apparent. On the other hand, breast implants under the muscle are provided with more coverage, which minimizes rippling.
Breast implant rippling after pregnancy is a common story due to weight loss and breastfeeding. Pregnancy will also often affect the appearance of breast implants and may become bothersome. Because of this, many women will seek out for a breast implant revision.
5. Thin Skin and Tissue
Sometimes, the risk of rippling is determined by skin and tissue. Breast implants require natural padding to conceal the implant’s irregularities and prevent ripples. The patient is more susceptible to rippling when the skin is too thin and the breast tissue is minimal.
6. Weight Loss
Breast implant rippling after weight loss is common. This will happen when there is significant weight loss after placement. The loss, in this instance, may be the cause of changes in breast volume and skin elasticity.
Signs You Have Breast Implant Rippling
Common signs of rippling breast implants are visible wrinkles, ridges and waves on the surface of the breasts. The ripples may change in appearance as you lean forward or change positions. In other cases where the ripples are more pronounced, they can be felt by touching. While breast rippling may not present a medical problem, it may cause self-consciousness and dissatisfaction with the appearance of the breasts. If not addressed, rippling can potentially impact your self-esteem.
Solutions for Breast Implant Rippling
If you have breast implant rippling, there is no need to worry. Various solutions can enhance the overall appearance of the breasts. Below are three solutions:
1. Implant Revision
An implant revision procedure refers to the replacement of existing implants with a different type. For instance, saline breast implants can be switched to silicone breast implants, which have a lower risk of rippling. In implant revision, textured implants can be used to promote tissue adherence and reduce the visibility of rippling.
2. Implant Placement Adjustment
Instead of replacing the implants completely, your surgeon may recommend repositioning. If the implants were placed in the subglandular position earlier, they could be moved to under the muscle. The submuscular placement provides natural padding and additional tissue coverage and support that minimize the visibility of rippling.
3. Breast Implant Removal and Lift
As an alternative, the breast implants can be removed altogether. Breast implant removal restores the natural appearance; which could result in a more youthful shape. However, in some cases, the breasts may sag after the removal procedure. The surgeon may simultaneously perform a breast lift procedure to achieve desirable breast aesthetics.
Finding the Best Surgeon for Implant Removal in Miami
Breast implant rippling can occur for various reasons. Understanding the potential causes and available solutions is vital in making a decision. However, if you are experiencing rippling, consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon will provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation and desired goals. To get the best breast rippling solutions, including implant removal, contact Dr. Mendieta, the best surgeon for implant removal in Miami. Call 305-860-0717 to schedule a consultation or simply contact us online.
For previous generations, reaching middle age was not guaranteed. But thanks to advances in medicine and science, people are now living longer than ever before.
Baby Boomer women are entering middle age feeling better than ever—and want to look as good on the outside as well. Procedures like a breast lift can be all they need to look vibrant again.
In this exciting world that is filled with seemingly endless possibilities, women now have a strong focus on wellness and a fresh new attitude towards maintaining a youthful appearance.
Plastic surgery, which was once considered taboo, has now become an increasingly popular way for Baby Boomers to improve their appearances.
The breast lift, in particular, is a great way for Baby Boomers to rejuvenate their figures without looking like they have had “work done.”
Why Choose a Breast Lift?
It makes breasts look fuller—without the need for further augmentation.
It lifts and tightens sagging breast tissue.
It helps to re-shape and tighten the breasts for a naturally youthful appearance.
Breast Lift Vs Implants
While a breast lift can make the breasts look fuller, it does not actually increase breast size. Only a breast implant or another method (such as fat transfer) can do that.
A breast liftprimarily focuses on lifting and tightening tissue that has loosened and started to sag. Breast lift surgery is ideal for Baby Boomer women who are struggling with the natural effects of time and have thinner, more delicate skin.
By removing the excess skin and manipulating the underlying glandular tissue, breasts are tightened, re-shaped, and lifted for a bustline that is more youthful and uplifted.
What Can I Expect From My Breast Lift?
A breast lift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure over a few hours.
The surgery involves incisions that allow your surgeon to reposition the existing tissue and remove compromised skin for a perkier, more youthful bust.
There are several breast lift methods available. The best one for you will depend on your own unique body shape and cosmetic concerns.
Recovery can take several weeks, but results are long lasting.
What is Better Breast Lift or Augmentation Surgery?
The breasts are the most common part of the body that women wish to improve with cosmetic surgery. Breast procedures are performed more than any other cosmetic procedure in the world; and continue to gain popularity.
Many women are unhappy with the size, position, and saggy appearance of their breasts. Therefore, they look for ways to correct these issues.
During a breast lift procedure, the breasts are reshaped and made more firm by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue.
The nipple and areola are often repositioned to create a more youthful appearance. Ideal candidates for breast lift surgery have moderate to severe drooping (or sagging) with nipples positioned at the bottom of the breasts or pointing downward. Recovery from a breast lift consists of one to two weeks of downtime; and depends on the patient’s ability to heal.
What is a Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation (medically known as augmentation mammoplasty) achieves breast enlargement. This type of breast enhancement adds breast volume with implants made of saline or silicone gel. They are placed under or over the pectoral muscles. The shape of the augmented breasts is determined by the implant type and the patient’s anatomy.
During a consultation with a plastic surgeon, desired breast size, width, curves, and cleavage will all be discussed. Ideal candidates for a breast augmentation alone desire to increase the size of their breasts (at least one cup size). And they do not have significant breast sagging. After breast augmentation, physical activity should be minimized for the first three to seven days. Heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks. Recovery time is largely dependent on the placement of the incisions and the implants.
When to Combine Procedures?
Advantages of Combined Breast Lift with Augmentation
In many cases, patients need a combination of breast lift and breast augmentation surgery to obtain their desired results. Ideal candidates, for having both procedures, want to increase their breast size and also reduce sagging. Recovery time can range from one to two weeks, and general healing will continue for six weeks. Recovery varies depending on the individual patient and the extent of the procedures performed.