Flex distortion, active displacement or animation deformity are terms people use to describe the motion and shape change seen when the pectoralis (chest) muscle contracts and compresses and/or moves a breast implant that has been placed in the subpectoral (submuscular) position.There are many advantages to the subpectoral placement of breast implants, which is why so many individuals and their surgeons choose this over subglandular (prepectoral) positioning. (Please see my blogs on this topic or my Real Self responses about pre- vs. sub-pectoral breast augmentation).The occurrence of flex distortion with subpectoral implants is variable depending upon: the size and shape of the implant; the shape and size of the particular individuals muscle; the anatomic relationship of the muscle to the nipple, breast, and breast crease;the width of the breast bone (sternum);the shape of the rib cage.Among the techniques surgeons have developed to prevent flex distortion is the release of the pectoralis muscle in a way that does not compromise function, but reduces the occurrence or amount of implant compression or motion with muscle contraction. This draping of the muscle and breast to harmonize with the implant is an important technical element in breast augmentation.It is important to choose a surgeon with experience in these techniques and to ask specifically about how your particular anatomy, lifestyle and implant choices might influence the likelihood or degree of flex distortion.
