If I Choose Silicone Implants, Will I Have Rippling In My Breasts?

Rippling of the skin after breast augmentation can sometimes decrease a patient's satisfaction with an otherwise perfect surgery. Breast implants themselves can have surface irregularities that lead to a "wrinkled" or a "ridged" appearance of the skin in certain areas of the breasts. Rippling can also occur when the breast tissues and skin "stick" to the implant, causing the skin to be pulled or puckered by the implant.

Patients who are very thin, with little of their own breast tissue, are at a higher risk for development of visible rippling. They have less "padding" or "cushioning" between the implants and the skin than patients with more fat or breast tissue. Visible rippling is also more common with use of "textured" breast implants than with "smooth" implants. The smooth implants are more "slippery," and don't stick to surrounding tissues as much as the more rough-surfaced textured implants.

Although it is not possible to prevent all visible implant and skin rippling, there are ways to minimize the likelihood of a significant problem. First, placement of the implants beneath the pectoral muscles adds additional "padding" or "cushioning" between the implants and the skin, mainly in the central and upper portions of the breasts, where the muscle exists. Fortunately, these are the areas that are visible in a bra or bathing suit. The lower, outer portions of the implants are not covered by the muscle. Those are the areas where the implant rippling can be more visible. As mentioned above, using smooth breast implants, rather than textured implants, can also help.

Silicone implants may also decrease the chances of visible implant rippling compared to saline implants. Because the silicone gel is thicker than the water in saline implants, the silicone implants tend to fold or wrinkle less often. It is still possible to develop visible rippling with silicone implants, but it occurs less often than with saline implants.

It's important to consult a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, as I am, if you're considering breast augmentation. I have the necessary education, training and experience to maximize your chances for a fantastic, beautiful result. I also am capable of treating and improving complications that arise, like implant rippling. To schedule a free consultation with me, please call my office at 714-835-6500.