What are these stripes of muscle on the chest wall with muscle contraction? (Photos)

Question

I’m almost 7 weeks post submuscular breast augmentation. I first noticed this when in spin class with my arms forward- I get like individual stripes of muscle across my chest that contract with my pec contracts, most noticeable under my one collar bone. It’s almost like flashing strips. What is this and will it go away eventually?

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos! The stripe you see when your pectoral muscle contracts is what we plastic surgeons call "animation."  This is a common side effect form placing breast implants sub-muscularly, below the pectoral muscle, and especially in thin patients like yourself. This does not mean your implants are damaged or ruptured, it simply means your pectoral muscles are more noticeable in certain positions. If this animation deformity continues to bother you, you can have your implants moved from below the muscle to above the muscle with a surgical procedure. There are side effects to this sub-glandular approach as well, so be sure to chat with your plastic surgeon to determine the best surgical plan for you

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

If I understand your question correctly, this is muscle contracting. It may well reduce as the months pass, but even if it does not, it is normal.

What are these stripes of muscle on the chest wall with muscle contraction? (Photos)

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What are these stripes of muscle on the chest wall with muscle contraction? (Photos)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.