Breast Implant Rippling
July 1st, 2009
A patient emailed me today about “rippling” of her breast implants. Her surgery was done in another office some 10 years ago. This has bothered her ever since, despite a revision surgery to correct the problem. She wants to have something done to reduce the rippling. There are several factors to consider.
Women frequently notice rippling of their breast implants. This refers to the undulation of the breast surface or breast skin above the breast implant. This is a result of fluid movement within the silicone shell. Erect posture and leaning forward seems to accentuate the condition. As the fluid shifts, it changes the shape of the implant from discoid to pear shape. The change in shape results in surface distortion of the implant which show up as rippling.
Women who have minimal breast tissue of their own, may notice this rippling more. Since they have only a thin layer of breast tissue and fat between the implant and the skin, the changes in implant surface are more noticeable. Weight loss may often include reduction in breast substance to reveal rippling or make it worse.
It seems the outer surface of the breast is affected by rippling the most. This is the area where the arm and elbow touch the chest and side of the breast. This location of the implant may only be covered by a thin layer of fat and skin. Larger diameter implants and lateral positioning of the implants toward the armpit, reveal larger portions of the implant into chest areas with less or thinner coverage. Rippling can be seen in the upper inner aspect of the breast. This is the decollete area. Placement of implants beneath the Pectoralis muscle has virtually eliminated this rippling.
Both saline (salt water) and silicone gel implants available in America can show some visible rippling. It is felt less when silicone gel implants are used. However, the most coherent silicone gel products, only available outside the US, may reduce or eliminate rippling of breast implants. Unfortunately, the coherent gel implants currently available in the US do not eliminate this rippling.
Dr. Bashioum’s Thank You, Melissa
June 9th, 2009
I cannot thank Melissa enough for sharing in her journey into cosmetic surgery with her breast enlargement experience. By in large, most Americans keep cosmetic surgery to themselves. Melissa’s frequent postings allows readers to share her personal insights and thoughts regarding augmentation mammaplasty. This personal and candid account is hard to find. Melissa, thank you for sharing your story.
Melissa’s comment about her husband being a “Peeping Tom” is much more complex than the simple physical change which Melissa chose. The real change that spouses or significant others appreciate, is the renewed confidence which women express after breast enlargement surgery. Women feel better both in and out of their wardrobe. This often manifests as better posture, more smiles and greater self-awareness. These are the real changes which seem to be very attractive to spouses or boyfriends.
Other people in Melissa’s social and family circles may not notice that anything has been done, as she herself suggested. I believe that the perfect result after cosmetic surgery is one which others do not notice as such. Friends and family may ask if Melissa has been working out, has lost weight, or changed clothing styles. Regardless of the chosen size, it is my goal to achieve a natural looking result, to achieve proportion. That is truly the best satisfaction for me as a plastic surgeon.
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