Will a breast lift fix muscle flex deformity?

Dear sarnth,
breast lift will only lift breasts but it won't fix muscle flex deformity. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

A breast lift can improve nipple position, remove extra skin, and reshape a drooping breast, but it usually does not correct a true muscle-flex or animation deformity. If the breast changes shape when the chest muscle contracts, the problem is often related to the implant pocket, muscle attachment, or implant movement rather than breast sagging alone.

The right correction depends on what is actually causing the distortion. Options may include changing the implant pocket, releasing or repairing muscle attachments, using supportive mesh in selected cases, changing implant size or position, or combining those steps with a lift if there is also significant sagging. An in-person exam while you flex the pectoral muscle is important before deciding whether a lift is part of the solution.

Dear SARNTH in Edmonton,
Thank you for your question regarding the potential of a breast lift to address muscle flex deformity.
Breast Lift Procedure Overview:
In a typical breast lift (mastopexy), the primary focus is on removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple-areolar complex. Occasionally, some breast tissue may be removed or rearranged, but the procedure predominantly involves skin.
Muscle Deformity Considerations:
A standard breast lift does not typically involve correction of muscle deformities. It's crucial to discuss any muscle-related issues with your plastic surgeon before the surgery.
If you're experiencing a condition like Poland’s syndrome or another type of muscle deformity, this requires a different surgical approach. Options for muscle repair might include tissue augmentation, such as pectoralis muscle implants or fat grafting, depending on the specific condition.
Importance of a Thorough Evaluation:
A detailed physical examination and a full understanding of your specific case are necessary to determine the most appropriate course of action. This will enable your surgeon to tailor the surgical plan to best address both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your concern.
In conclusion, while a breast lift can enhance breast appearance, it may not be sufficient for correcting muscle flex deformities. Further evaluation and a personalized surgical plan are essential to address your specific needs effectively.
I hope this provides clarity on your options and assists in your decision-making process. Wishing you the best as you pursue your surgical journey.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for your question! It is always best to be evaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon in person.
I believe the term "muscle flex deformity" you are using may refer to something called "animation deformity". This can occur if you have had a breast implant placed below the muscle. The muscle can move the implant that is beneath it. The contracting muscle causes the implant to "dance".
I would not anticipate that a breast lift would help resolve animation deformity because it does not change the position of the implant. Instead, completing a plane change, or moving the implant above the muscle, can be used to decrease animation deformity.

Without seeing your issue, it’s hard to tell you a definite answer. Muscle repairs can be preformed during lift procedures. I recommend seeking out consultations with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons to go over the options available to you. If you’d like to be seen by my office, feel free to reach out 702-838-2455

A breast lift reshapes the breast tissue to make the breasts perkier. It doesn’t target the pectoral muscle, therefore there wouldn't be any impact on their function. A breast augmentation, on the other hand, could involve manipulation of the pectorals when creating a pocket for the implant.

If interested, I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

When the muscle flexes, it will contract the implant below and cause it to shift. This is the deformity many people describe. A breast lift may minimize it but will not eliminate it. The only way to eliminate it is to remove the implant, replace with a smaller implant or place the implant in front of the muscle.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

When implants are placed under the muscle, contractions of the chest muscle can result in displacement of the breast implant which is called animation deformity. A breast lift will lift the breast tissue on top of the implant but the implant will still be under the muscle and move with muscle contraction. Moving the implant to a subfascial or sub glandular pocket on top of the muscle would prevent this from happening.

Implants move with pec muscle activity because they may be placed under the muscle, or because capsule or scar tissue causes the implants to partially stick to the muscle. Most women have some movement of the implants.

This can be difficult to correct 100% but much depends on your original operation, a good examination,, to understand exactly why they are moving and in what direction.

A lift alone would be unlikely to change movement if the original implants are left in place.