Is it normal that every time I lift or flex my pectoral muscle my breast implants move?

Yes, it is normal for your implants to move when you flex your pectoral muscles.  This is called animation deformity.  It is not normal for you to have pain, but it may just be due to the fact that you are only 4 months postop.  If your pain isn't resolved in the next 1-2 months, talk to your surgeon to make sure everything is ok.  Best of luck!

If your goal is to become the strongest you can become, there is NO doubt that there will be a decrement in strength with submuscular augmentation.  If you have enough tissue above the muscle to camouflage the implant, then go above the muscle.  If you have very little tissue or diet down at certain times, you should consider submuscular implants with the understanding that there will be a small decrease in strength and that there may be a small chance to laterally displace the implants.  I have put submuscular implants in women who have bench pressed almost 300 lbs without ill effect, but it is always better for the patient to be fully informed. 

We see this with submuscular placement of implants.  It is not really a complication as much as a known sequelae of the procedure.  You can have your implants moved to in front of the muscle if you have enough tissue to cover them.  Just talk to your surgeon about your options.
Good luck,
Dr. T

Hello and thank you for the question. Implants placed beneath the pectoralis muscle will always move with contraction of the muscle. Since you are only four months post-op, I would ease off the heavy lifting until you are completely healed to avoid pain. Please discuss any concerns you have with your Board certified plastic surgeon and follow all recommendations. Best of luck on your journey. 

Dear Cio,  Posting before and after pictures would have been very helpful. There is always some motion of the implants, since after all, they are under the muscles. Excessive motion is not acceptable and can be a result of insufficient release of the lower margin of the pectoral muscles or noticeable capsule contracture.   Discuss this issue with your surgeon.  If neither of the above condition  exist and you are  absolutely intolerant of the implants motion, you will have to , either remove the implants or place them on top of the muscles. If your skin is  thin and you decide on sub glandular placement of the implants,   I would recommend smaller implants for better coverage by the breasts and avoidance of ripples or palpability of implant.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures of redo breasts augmentation in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice cleavage, perky, symmetrical and natural looking.                        Best of luck,                                            Dr Widder

Thank you cio90 for your question and congratulations on your surgery.  It can take 6-8 months to settle on down and for the muscle to relax.  I would continue giving it some time and most of the time all the discomfort leaves. I wold recommend following up with your surgeon and just be evaluated and follow their post operative instructions.  Best of luck to you.  

Breast animation is caused by contraction of the pectoralis muscle.  Thuis is typical anda small amount of movement is no issue.  If the movement is severev and if it is causing a major deformity and appearance then surgery may be required.  Pleae revisit ith your board certified plastic surgeon to follow up with your concerns. 

A very important question. Movement of the implant with movement is due to the submuscular placement. It is normal to have some movement however its unusual to have enough movement to be bothersome. A partial muscle release can help minimize the chance of a bothersome animation deformity. After 4 months, its unlikely to improve significantly on its own. There are treatments available to address the animation deformity and I would recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon to discuss some options.
best wishes,
Dr. Jan

Hi cio90,  It is normal for the implants to move when they are underneath the pectoral muscle. If the movement is not too great, one should  not notice too much, even with a gym type of bra. You definitely should visit with your plastic surgeon to discuss the matter. The problem is that if one cuts the muscle more, it  may  take away all the benefits of the "under the muscle " position. The movement may decrease with time as the swelling goes down, so you might want to wait a few more months.Best Wishes,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Submuscular breast implants always move when the overlying pectoralis muscles are flexed. This is known as an animation deformity. It is rarely an issue for those patients who are not competitive body builders. The only way to eliminate it is to place the implants over the muscle. However, this placement results in difficult mammography, less natural appearance and much higher rates of capsular contracture. Animation deformity more or less comes with the territory. It is not dangerous. Make sure you are wearing professionally-fitted fitness bras, especially when working your upper body, to try to keep your implants from being displaced down and to the side by the force of your muscles. All the best.