Rippling--should I pursue revision or just live with it?

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Nocalmom
Nocalmom Member Posts: 21
edited September 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

I'm 2 weeks out from my exchange so maybe things will change (I hope so) because my expander was smooth except for one ripple on the cleavage that the nurse told me the PS would fix. Now, I have lots of ripples (basically the whole breast is somewhat ripply) and am really feeling disheartened. I had fat grafting, but my understanding is that this is for the transition from chest to the inner edge of the implant, which actually looks pretty good. I now know rippling is pretty common since the skin is thin from the MX, but it took me by surprise that my implant is not at all smooth. Also, the implant sits lower and has a lower profile than the expander as I expected, but I was pretty shocked by the size difference (way smaller). I wish I had asked more questions about appearance before the surgery. PS makes the final call on size and shape in the OR based on what looks to most natural and I trusted that--we didn't discuss any details on which implant and how large etc. He was certainly confident that I would have a 'good result' in all of our meetings. Guess we have different ideas about what a 'good result' is. This is the chief of breast plastic surgery at a major hospital.

Until my post-op visit in early October, I guess I need to think about whether or not it's worth it to pursue revision or just cut my losses and live with it. This will be an issue in a bathing suit and lower cut tops. I'd need to do a revision this year for insurance reasons. I'm so sick of surgery, pain, and not being able to exercise, but I deserve better after all of this. I had a nipple sparring UMX and no rads. I want to feel good about my body.

Does anyone who has been through revision for rippling have any words of wisdom for me? I would really appreciate some advice before I go back to the PS.

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  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 161
    edited September 2015

    Not sure it helps but I'm sort of in the same boat. My exchange was August 24 and I've got two issues. One is that I don't have cleavage -- as my implants are too far apart. I also have rippling, which I'm told can be corrected with fat grafting. My PS also said that the skin might tighten up around the left implant (my ripply side appears smaller than the other due to reduced projection of my ribcage on the left---which is probably more than you care to know!). I also had nipple sparing (but BMX). My PS does not do fat grafting at the same time as exchange as he said there is increased risk of infection. Who knows. He likes steps! But I would probably do two things if in your shoes: get a second opinion and/or ask current PS about how much of the fat "took" and does he need to do more. What does he say about your ripples? I can't imagine he'd be happy if the outcome is not good and you've given things enough time. My sense is that these surgeons don't want to make any decisions until things have settled down and they can be sure all postop changes have taken place. I was whining a few days after exchange but at two weeks I found my PS was more understanding of my concerns. Suspect they don't want us getting disappointed before healing is complete.

    I totally understand your frustration.

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  • Nocalmom
    Nocalmom Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2015

    Mktgmom: Thank you for the response!! We had our exchange surgery on the on the same day. I'm waiting til my 6 week followup when healing is done to even address it with the PS. I'll be watching closely to see how your fat grafting goes and what it does for your ripples. I'm still hurting from the lipo on my lower belly--OUCH!! I had just a little bit of fat there, which he said would do and sure enough they took it all. The skin is smooth and no looser than it was before (I've had 2 kids after all) so that's a plus. It's not a bad idea to wait and do the fat graft later. I didn't fair too well getting in and out of bed without the use of my abdominals or arms. Good luck to you!

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  • mjh1
    mjh1 Member Posts: 445
    edited September 2015

    rippling has been my nemesis since my exchange last year. It sounds to me like your implants may be too small for the pocket in addition to just thin skin that we Ll have post MX. First thing I would do isask whippetmom on the breast I implant sizing thread what her recommendations r on the type of implant u should have after to u give all the required info in that thread. She isthe best in determining sizing. Go to your appointment n tell your PS how unhappy u r n c what he plans on doing to correct this issue. Then I would definitely go for a second opinion. However no PS would even consider doing another surgery on u until at least 3 to 6 months post op.

    Don't rush into anything. Feel free to PM Me if u want. Good luck!!!

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