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?

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.

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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

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.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Moving your implants from submuscular to subglandular should eliminate the animation deformity.  The only other issue is visualization or palpation of rippling (folds of the edge of the implants).  There may also be a different shape to the top of your breasts as the muscle no longer masks the upper border of your implants.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

This repositioning of implants is becoming more common. Either from "unders" to "overs" or visa versa. Fees range from $6,000-$12,000 depending if new implants are added, which btw is recommended. est to seek virtual consults from very experienced boarded non clinic PSs.