Rippling After Breast Augmentation

When does it occur, how can it be corrected and prevented?

Rippling after breast augmentation

When breast implants develop folds that are visible and palpable from the outside after breast augmentation , this is called rippling. I have summarized for you how rippling occurs with implants, which breast implants are particularly susceptible to visible and palpable wrinkling, which conditions in breasts themselves promote rippling, and how to correct or even prevent it.

Why does rippling occur?

Similar to other non-solid objects, breast implants tend to develop folds. If the implants are made of silicone or a saline solution, or if they generally lack high firmness or well-defined shape retention, folds can show through the breast tissue and be correspondingly visible and sometimes palpable.

Causes of rippling

Similarly, rippling can be caused by implant pockets that are too small, resulting in the implant being squeezed and wrinkles forming as a result.

What promotes rippling?

Insufficiently developed glandular and fatty tissue in the breast, in addition to less form-stable implants, can also contribute to rippling. Similarly, the location of the breast implant can affect the visibility of rippling. If the implant is placed over the chest muscle (subglandular), it is more likely to come into direct contact with the skin and cause more visible rippling than if it were placed beneath the muscle (submuscular).

When and where does rippling occur?

Folds in breast implants are particularly visible when leaning forward. Depending on the severity of the folds, the shape and material of the implants, and the texture of the tissue, rippling can also be visible in an upright position - on the breast, on the sides, and between the breasts.

How can rippling be corrected?

Rippling correction can usually only be achieved through a second breast surgery. Massages or special skincare products do not really provide a solution for visible and palpable wrinkles.

  • Replace implants with a rough surface texture: If implants with a strong texture have been used, these can be replaced with softer ones without the corresponding structure. Implants with a rough surface texture are mainly used to minimize capsule contraction and prevent tear-drop implants from moving or rotating too much in the implant pocket. Although the texture stabilizes the implants, it also creates waves similar to a Velcro fastener, which can promote rippling.

  • Use more shape-retaining and larger implants: Using implants that have higher firmness and shape retention and/or are larger than the existing ones and therefore better fill the implant pocket, is a way to correct rippling  through a second breast surgery.

  • Relocate existing implants: Relocating the existing implant from its previous position on top of the chest muscle to below it can make the wrinkling less visible. This is because implants that are sufficiently enclosed by chest muscles and natural tissue are less visible or not visible at all.

  • Transplant autologous fat: Autologous fat taken from other parts of the body is processed and then injected directly into the breast. This can plump up areas where rippling is particularly pronounced due to thin tissue cover from the inside, in a natural way. The wrinkles are then no longer visible from the outside and are hardly or not palpable anymore.

Rippling correction in Munich

As an experienced specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery I would be happy to discuss with you individually and confidentially in a first personal consultation which treatment method is best and particularly effective for treating wrinkles in implants, how to recognize rippling, and how to eliminate it quickly and gently.

Leading specialist for plastic and aesthetic surgery.

Over 2000 surgeries - experience from practice & further education 

At a personal appointment, I will provide you with individual advice. Make the most of your type. I am looking forward to meeting you!

 

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