Rippling during breast augmentation

Why the position of the implant plays a role

What is rippling?

Rippling describes fine folds or ripples in the implant that can become visible under the skin.

Although rippling is medically harmless, many patients find it disturbing - especially when it becomes visible in the cleavage area and the implant becomes visible.

Which women are most affected?

It mainly occurs in very slim women when there is very little of their own tissue. It can also occur after severe weight loss or with soft, larger implants.

Surgical techniques with minimized risk of rippling

There are two surgical techniques with which the risk of rippling can be minimized:

1. dual-plane technique

In this technique, the lower part of the pectoral muscle is detached from the rib and prepared so that the implant can be placed underneath. The upper part of the implant is then placed under the pectoral muscle, while the lower part remains under the mammary gland. The muscle forms an additional layer of tissue and exerts gentle pressure on the implant. This creates softer transitions and significantly reduces the risk of visible wrinkles in the décolleté. This method is particularly suitable for slim patients with little natural tissue.

2. subfascial placement in combination with autologous fat (lipofilling)

Here the implant is placed under the fine muscle skin (fascia) of the large breast muscle without cutting through the muscle itself. In combination with lipofilling, the upper breast area can be additionally plumped up, thus minimizing the risk of rippling. Another advantage is that the pectoral muscle remains completely intact. However, a prerequisite for this method is that sufficient fatty tissue is available to carry out both the removal (liposuction) and the injection (lipofilling).

Both methods pursue the same goal: to avoid visible wrinkles in the upper breast area and to create a harmonious, natural breast shape.

The surgical technique for active women

For women who are very active in sports, the dual-plane technique can sometimes be inconvenient, as the implant can move slightly when the muscles are tensed. In such cases, the subfascial position with lipofilling offers a particularly elegant alternative - provided that sufficient autologous fat is available.

Lower risk with the correct technique and position of the implant

Rippling is an often underestimated but aesthetically relevant issue in breast augmentation. It is not only the choice of implant that is crucial, but also the right implant position and - if appropriate - additional procedures such as lipofilling.

We would be happy to advise you personally - every breast is individual and the choice of the optimal technique requires careful medical assessment by experts with the relevant experience.

Breast surgery at the Breast Atelier: quality surgery at a transparent fixed price

The medical team at the Breast Atelier consists of specialists with many years of professional experience who work under the medical supervision of Dr. Cédric A. George, the founder of the Pyramide Clinic (now Plastic Surgery Pyramide), which is renowned far beyond Switzerland's borders. His center for plastic surgery, which is now one of the market leaders in Switzerland, has set the standards for quality and reliability in plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

Under the patronage of the Plastic Surgery Pyramid, these standards are also made accessible to a wider public in the Breast Atelier. Our plastic surgery specialists are the guarantors of quality surgery.

Book your free consultation appointment

Arrange your free consultation directly online to get all your questions answered and see the Breast Atelier for yourself. Our specialists are at your disposal. Benefit from our 3D visualization technology (for breast augmentation) and our detailed medical assessment.