Excessive thinning of the skin
A breast implant acts as a tissue expander; as tissue expands it gets thinner and thinner (just like a balloon). The larger the breast implant and the smaller the breast, the greater the degree of stretching and thinning of the tissues. The “perfect storm” is a large breast implant and a small breast. Thinning skin is also associated with pregnancy, extreme weight loss and advancing age.
Tissue thinning is more commonly seen in those patients who have subglandular implants and in those individuals who have poor skin quality. Implant complications like rippling and palpability are more easily appreciated when the tissues become thinner over time.
Treatment alternatives include exchanging saline for silicone implants, moving subglandular implants beneath the muscle and choosing smaller implants. Some patients will benefit from the excision of the thinning tissue along the bottom of the breast with a breast lift.
The best treatment however is prevention; always choose an implant size that works best with your tissue characteristics (surgeon responsibility), and support your breasts with an excellent bra (your responsibility).
