Is this normal? Breast implants move toward collar bone and flatten out when laying down (Photo)

Question

I had breast augmentation surgery 6/2017, Silicone implants 330 ccs. I can move my implants up to my collarbone, and when I lie down they move up to my collarbone and off to the side. I don’t think this is normal.This is not Aesthetically pleasing Especially when laying on a beach in a bikini, It makes me very self-conscious.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello Lee78,
I’m sorry for the adverse symptoms you are experiencing. Animation deformity is a relatively common condition that many breast implant patients experience. It is hallmarked by the excessive movement of a patient’s breast implant or implants. It  can also include the distortion of the implant itself. This condition occurs when only half of the pectoralis muscle covers the implant, causing the implant to move anytime the patient flexes or moves that part of her body. It can be aggravated by certain activities, most notably exercises like weightlifting. Fortunately, animation distortion is correctable. Repairing animation deformity requires that you undergo surgery so that your plastic surgeon can completely cover the implant with the pectoralis muscle. When the implant is properly covered by the muscle, it is compartmentalized effectively and unable to move in and out of placement as it did prior to the surgery. The replacement of the implant also prevents it from becoming distorted when you flex, exercise or otherwise move the upper part of your body. You can resume your normal activities without fear of your implants moving or taking on a rippling appearance as you sit up, flex, move in other normal ways or lie down on a beach in a bikini, for instance. However, it is important that you entrust your animation deformity diagnosis and repair to a surgeon who is qualified and knowledgeable of this condition. Good luck and may God bless you! Dr. De La Cruz.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

What you are describing could be normal. The space and movement you have decreases the chance for capsular contracture. When concerned, always a good idea to check in with your surgeon.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after breast augmentation surgery.You demonstrate your concerns nicely. Although some “falling to these sides” of breast implants is quite normal when you lie down, if this occurs “excessively”, it may be a concern to patients.  This phenomenon is called lateral displacement of the breast implant;  it may be of concern from the visual and the discomfort standpoints.  Based on your description and photographs, you seem to also be experiencing superior breast implant displacement. Surgical correction is an option.
Generally, the lateral and/or superior breast implant displacement can be corrected using an internal suture technique, decreasing the size of the pockets and moving the implants toward the midline.    In my practice, I use a 2  layered suture technique to close off the space laterally (towards the axilla). The use of acellular dermal matrix is an option ( although not usually necessary)  especially if significant implant rippling/palpability is present.   
I hope this helps.  Best wishes.

Is this normal? Breast implants move toward collar bone and flatten out when laying down (Photo)

Answers (3)

More Breast Implants Questions

Could laying on a massage table rupture or damage my implants? (photo)

What is the smallest sized silicone/saline implant available?

How much will a 450cc implant increase my size?

18 days post-op, have pseudomonas aeruginosa on incision. How do I know the infection isn't on the inside? (photo)

Over/Under Muscle or Dual-Plane? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS