Subfascial, split plane or submuscular for more natural look? (Photos)

Question

(animation deformity). I am 5'4' and 120lb. Breast augmentation done in 2018 by inserting SRF-345cc Natrelle Inspira implants under the muscle through transaxillary incision. The implants never quite settled and are still riding high on my chest. I do NOT like the upper pole fullness and the high projection. The implants move every time I engage my pectoralis muscles. Ideally, I would like smaller breasts that have a natural teardrop look. My surgeon said that I have a great result, but I would like a revision.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

New data shows that 'sub-fascial' has a greater risk of capsular contracture compared to sub-pectoral,  and similar to over the muscle because it is over the muscle, and that paper thin fascia offers no protection or physical buffer of the implant. Please do not change pockets. So, what's the problem? Size, profile, and manufacturer. Size is an issue because you already feel too big, but also it puts a premium on upper pole fullness and projection. Profile is an issue because you've chosen an implant that puts its volume out in front. Manufacturer is an issue because Inspira implants were designed to look like saline. That's right. Their 'optimized' fill means there is no room for gel to travel without stretching the shell (requiring increase resistance) with any squeezing. This is the case even with the 'responsive' gel, which is the softest Natrelle offers. Sientra is the only manufacturer that offers highly cohesive gel with a 'sub-optimal' fill, leaving a little more room for low resistance movement. Your prior surgery also might be playing a role, as it looks like your surgeon did not adequately divide pectoralis muscle from its rib and sternal attachments, commonly the case with blind and blunt dissection via the axilla. I could be mistaken, and your surgeon may have used an endoscope and electrocautery, but it appears not enough was done. You should have a revision via an inframammary incision so that the necessary changes can be made to the pocket and smaller, flatter, and softer implants can be placed.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good afternoon,
You have a common complication after transaxillary breast augmentation- animation deformity. I perform hundreds of revisions a year, and without a doubt the transax approach has the highest rate of revision. I put it in the category of "just because we can do something doesn't mean we should do something" and most advanced breast augmentation plastic surgeons have moved on to better techniques. You just can't see well enough to properly create the pockets from this tiny little incision under the armpits. You need your pockets fixed, and I would do this through a nipple incision.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you want to minimize the animation deformity then you will need smaller implants.  Since you want smaller breasts then this may be the best solution for you.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Kuchajka,
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

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

The distortion you are experiencing with muscle contraction is animation deformity, related to the muscle detachment with the dual plane method. You can convert to either the split muscle plane or subfascial, in either case with muscle re-attachment. That will also allow the implants to be re-positioned a bit lower.

Subfascial, split plane or submuscular for more natural look? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Implant placement

Answer: Implant placement

Answer: Convert to split muscle or subfascial for animation deformity

Answer: Convert to split muscle or subfascial for animation deformity

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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Subfascial, split plane or submuscular for more natural look? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Implant placement

Answer: Implant placement

Answer: Convert to split muscle or subfascial for animation deformity

Answer: Convert to split muscle or subfascial for animation deformity

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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.