Reason for implant having an indent when flexing breast muscle - 2 months post-op. (Photos)

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent surgery. It's difficult to answer without preoperative photos or knowing exactly what was done during your surgery. With implants placed under the muscle, sometimes women can develop implant movement or an area flattening when the chest muscle contracts. I would get back in touch with your plastic surgeon so that they can give you some specific answers.

Implants placed under the muscle using the dual plane technique commonly develop animation deformity, which is likely what you have. That is because part of the pectoral muscle is detached, and this part of the muscle then adheres to the scar capsule during healing, so contracting the muscle distorts the breast. More "release" of the muscle often makes it worse. Converting to the split muscle plane (not the same as dual plane) re-establishes the normal anatomic attachments of the muscle but leaves muscle coverage over the upper portion of the implant where it is most needed.

The indentation of the breast when flexing is known as animation deformity. This is a common occurrence when breast implants are placed under the muscle. A dual plane split muscle pocket can reduce the muscle animation, but it does not eliminate it. The only way to eliminate this is by placing the implants above the muscles. Thank you for sharing your photos and question. Best wishes. Dr. Gregory Park, #plasticsurgery