Implant rippling refers to the visible folds that can appear on the skin of the breast as a result of a potential problem with either the implant, the capsule or coverage of the implant.
Very often patients can feel their breast implants and this is quite common and should be distinguished from visible rippling.
True breast implant rippling is most visible in very thin patients or when leaning forward. It is also common when the pocket of the breast implant is too large meaning the implant can sag more so leading to folding of the edge of the implant. Rippling can also occur with capsular contraction or when an implant has ruptured.
Implant rippling refers to the visible folds that can appear on the skin of the breast as a result of a potential problem with either the implant, the capsule or coverage of the implant.
Very often patients can feel their breast implants and this is quite common and should be distinguished from visible rippling.
True breast implant rippling is most visible in very thin patients or when leaning forward. It is also common when the pocket of the breast implant is too large meaning the implant can sag more so leading to folding of the edge of the implant. Rippling can also occur with capsular contraction or when an implant has ruptured.
The treatment for rippling is similar to that of a ruptured breast implant and capsular contraction treatment.
Often, it involves surgical removal of the capsule, exchange of the existing implants for implants with lower risk of capsule development and rupture. Dr Rory uses Motiva implants that have a 100% fill which automatically reduces the risk of rippling.
It also often involves placing the implants in a new pocket underneath the muscle. An additional treatment may involve fat transfer to the breast with fat taken from liposuction from another part of the body. The fat will increase the soft tissue coverage of the implant.
If a patient want to remove the implants completely without replacing them, they can opt for this. They must accept a smaller breast size and may require a breast lift with or without the addition of fat transfer.
