Possible to swap implants from under the muscle to over? Will this reduce animation deformity?

Question

Is it possible to switch my under the muscle implants to over the muscle? I hate the way my implants move underneath my muscle and the animation is awful. Is this possible? Will the animation deformity go away with or without muscle reattachment?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, you can change your implants from under to over and that will eliminate the animation deformity.  However, the muscle cannot be repaired or reattached because it has been stretched, damaged and retracted.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Feelinglost16, thank you for your question. It is important to perform an ultrasound scan that allows us to see the current state of the prosthesis and the surrounding structures, in this way we can proceed to diagnose not only the current state, but also the plan to improve the current symptomatology. For more information and recommendations is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. I link a video about prosthesis location to shed more light. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

I have seen several cases where patients had their implants moved from under to over for correction of animation deformity without muscle re-attachment but the animation persisted. There are two options to consider: over muscle with re-attachment, and conversion to split muscle (also with re-attachment.) The split muscle retains muscle coverage over the upper pole. Many examples on my website.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Feelinglost16,
I almost always place implants submuscular. It lowers the rate of capsular contracture significantly. In addition, it looks much more natural because the muscle provides covering over the implant so its not as round on the top. I've also noticed the implants drop less over time when they are protected under the muscle.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have enough tissue to cover the implants, they can be moved to front of the muscle and help minimize the animation. However, not all the animation will go away once implants have been placed behind the muscle.

Possible to swap implants from under the muscle to over? Will this reduce animation deformity?

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Possible to swap implants from under the muscle to over? Will this reduce animation deformity?

Answers (7)

Answer: Implant placement

Answer: Implant placement

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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