Movement of the implant with movement of muscles is common, and often referred to as "animation phenomenon" or "animation deformity" (I don't actually consider it a deformity). If you are thin, you indeed may not be able to fully avoid the risk of rippling, though if severe, it might be helped by fat grafting or dermal matrix placement to shroud the implant better.

Most patients get used to the movement issue and it often settles down with better "sliding" of the muscle against the capsule. However, occasionally it persists and if truly bothersome, you may have to decide if you can't live with it, getting a revision to a subglandular plane and taking a risk of even more noticeable rippling and/or capsular contracture.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Implant rippling is noted if there is insufficient soft tissue coverage over the implant. This is seen most often in thin patients with saline implants, especially in the lower outer quadrant of the breast where there is no pectoralis muscle coverage. Acellular dermal collagen or fat grafting will provide additional tissue to cover the implant. The sensation of implant movement is greatest if there is a significant discrepancy in the pocket size and the diameter of the implant. A capsulorraphy can be done to reduce the pocket size and reduce the movement.

Michael Eisemann M.D.
Houston
Texas

Published on Jul 11, 2012

When implants are placed under the pectoralis muscle, you have distortion and movement of your implants. The only way to get rid of that is to have them replaced on top of the muscle. In the past,the chances of capsular contracture were less under the muscle but in my experience with my no-touch technique and newer implants, the chances are the same as on top of muscle.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after breast augmentation surgery. I always ask patients to be patient and allow their bodies to heal (3-6 months after surgery) before considering revision surgery.
Keep in communication with your surgeon as he/she has your best interest in mind.
Best wishes for a result you will be pleased with.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Rippling and implant movement are not due to driving too early (something you can do in 24 hours) or massaging the implants (something that is completely unnecessary, but will cause movement to occur sooner than later). Rippling is due to poor tissue coverage, i.e. either very small breast tissue and/or excessively large implants. Movement is due to the choice of smooth implants. Both can be improved by choosing highly cohesive, textured and shaped implants. Despite their unpopularity with American surgeons, in the hands of an expert have the lowest complication rates of all implants, even with their small potential of rotation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent breast augmentation.

Unfortunately in patients with thin skin and limited native breast tissue, rippling can be slightly more pronounced and the implants can be slightly more palpable than in those patients who have more soft tissue coverage for the implant. With that said, you are still very, very early in your recovery and as your implants settle it is possible that you may find some relief from this.

With regards to your implant moving, in the absence of a physical exam it is difficult to determine the exact cause of this. I would recommend that you continue to follow up with your operating surgeon for evaluation and monitoring.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It can take an adjustment period to get used to the feel of the implant. Everyone goes through this so there is nothing to worry about. Let yourself heal up and by the three month mark you will have forgotten about them. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It takes at least two months for healing and implants to settle in right position. If after two months things are not the way you want, contact your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012