Intermediate
Technical
IVT
implant rippling
Visible or palpable wrinkling of breast implant surface, often requiring revision surgery for aesthetic improvement.
Full Definition
Implant rippling refers to the formation of visible or palpable wrinkles or folds in the implant shell that can be seen or felt through the skin. This complication is more common with saline implants and in patients with thin soft tissue coverage. Rippling may occur due to implant underfill, capsular contracture, or inadequate soft tissue coverage. The condition can compromise aesthetic outcomes and may require revision surgery with implant exchange, additional soft tissue coverage, or conversion to autologous reconstruction.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from normal implant edges that may be palpable but not visually apparent.
In Context
- "Physical examination revealed significant implant rippling along the medial border requiring revision." — Follow-up consultation note
- "The thin patient was counseled about increased risk of implant rippling with saline devices." — Preoperative counseling documentation
Also known as
implant wrinkling
Don't confuse with
capsular contracture
implant malposition