Have you noticed a rippling effect over your breast implants? Perhaps you’re considering breast augmentation and want to research any potential issues that could arise. 

Breast implant rippling is actually more common than you may think, but it isn’t always visible. If you do spot signs of visible rippling, it’s natural to have a few questions.

What is breast implant rippling?

For most people seeking breast augmentation, the look of a smooth, full, and even bust is the desired outcome. Expert surgeons carefully position implants so that they mimic your body’s breast tissue and create a natural yet lifted and shapely appearance.

In some cases, however, implants can become visible under the skin, creating a rippled texture. Aptly named, breast implant rippling tends to be most obvious in the upper breast and cleavage area.

Is implant rippling dangerous?

We want to make it clear from the outset that breast implant rippling isn’t dangerous. There’s no need to worry, and many people with implants never have any clue that rippling has occurred.

How can you tell if you have breast implant rippling?

If rippling is apparent, you’ll usually see it as creasing or folds around the edge of the implant. Sometimes, you may be able to feel ripples if you run your hand around the implant perimeter, even if you can’t see them.

What causes breast implant rippling?

Breast implant rippling is usually caused by the augmentation procedure itself, typically due to:

• A lack of natural breast tissue to cover the implant: This is why it’s really important for a surgeon to recommend the right size and shape implant for your body and the look you want to achieve.
• Incorrect incisions: When inserting the implants, your breast surgeon needs to create a pocket known as a ‘capsule’. If the capsule is too small for the implant, it’s more likely to lead to rippling.
• Scar tissue: Scar tissue is a natural effect of breast augmentation, but sometimes, it can tether to your skin, creating a rippled appearance.
• Underfilled implants: If you’ve opted for saline implants, they need to have enough filling to create an even appearance. Underfilling can cause ripples, as can a loss of volume over time.
  

At Adam Critchley, we don’t use saline implants for breast augmentation in Newcastle. Instead, we focus on high-quality Motiva implants, which are made from textured silicone and are less prone to rippling.

Breast implant rippling can also develop down the line, particularly if you’ve experienced weight and body changes. For example, if you lose a substantial amount of weight after your augmentation, you may find that the reduction in your natural breast tissue means there is less implant coverage, resulting in a rippled effect.

How to prevent breast implant rippling

While there’s no surefire way to completely eliminate the risk of breast implant rippling, there are a few ways you can get the best results possible from your surgery. 

1) If you are planning to lose weight, it’s generally best to try to do so before you get your implants. Being as close to your ideal weight as possible will help reduce the chance of changing breast tissue, which can lead to rippling.

2) The same goes for if you are planning to get pregnant in the very near future. While you can absolutely have a baby after getting breast implants, it’s generally best to wait a few months so your breasts can heal after the surgery.

The changes to your breast size, shape, and lift during pregnancy can also potentially result in rippling. For this reason, many women choose to get breast implants after pregnancy instead of the other way around.

3) Always get an in-depth consultation with your breast surgeon. During this introductory session, they’ll be able to help you find the ideal implants for the look you want to achieve. If you are unsure of the size or width of the implants they suggest, don’t be afraid to say. You need to feel 100% confident in the implant choices ahead of the procedure.

Does implant rippling go away, or should I seek treatment?

If you’ve already had your breast augmentation and have become aware of rippling, it is, unfortunately, unlikely to go away on its own. Surgery is usually the best option for smoothing out the ripples.

What procedure can correct breast implant rippling?

There are a number of surgical options that can improve the appearance of rippling, but there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. 

• Lipomodelling may be helpful to thicken the subcutaneous fat layer over the implant.
• A different implant design or model may provide a better outcome.
• Moving the implant pocket from above the pectoralis muscle to underneath it may offer improvement.
• Over time, a person may opt for becoming implant-free, reshaping the natural tissue with implant removal and mastopexy.

Breast implant revision is usually the most effective way to correct breast implant ripples. This procedure involves removing your current implants and replacing them with new ones. If your breast surgeon can see that the old implants were too big for the amount of breast tissue coverage, they might replace them with a smaller size. 

When you book your boob job in Newcastle with our experienced breast consultant Adam, you can feel confident knowing that he will do all he can to help you get the smooth look you’re after.

Feel your best with breast augmentation from Adam Critchley

We understand how frustrating and disheartening it can be to see signs of breast implant rippling, whether it’s due to incorrect initial placement or simply down to time and natural changes. 

At our state of the art clinic, we’ll always take every step we can to reduce the chance of breast implant rippling. Our surgeon, Adam Critchley, will carry out a comprehensive consultation to find the perfect implant shape and size for you. 

To learn more about our procedures and costs in Newcastle, please take a look at our breast surgery prices, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.