I would like a second opinion, is it normal for submuscular implants to migrate with arm movement early in recovery? (Photos)

Thank you for your pictures and questions. You are only 4 weeks out from surgery.....relax and be patient and stop worrying. It is going to take 6-12 weeks for things to settle and until then try to resist the urge to over-analyze the results and just follow the instructions of your plastic surgeon. Good things come to those who wait.Best of luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Hello, thank you for your question. You are a early in your recovery. It can take 3 to 6 months for the breasts to drop, soften and settle. Wait to follow up with your surgeon, he/she will give you instructions and contact your surgeon with any other concerns.

Hello. Unfortunately, it is some what common. It is called animation deformity and all patients with sub-pectoral implants experience some degree of animation deformity. In most cases it is minimal and considered normal, but in some cases it can lead to asymmetry, embarrassment and discomfort. This is not as bad as it sounds, and does get much better when the implants settle. This can take anywhere from several weeks to several months so please be patient.  Special massages or straps help this process go faster. Placing the implants in a dual plane pocket may help avoid animation and making sure the sub-pectoral muscle pocket is not to tight may also help avoid this deformity. But the only way to fully avoid it is by placing implants over the muscle. Your best option right now is to wear a strap that goes around your chest and over the muscle to push the implants downward. The breast stabilizer strap basically helps the implants settle faster. This plus massaging your upper pole will help push the implants down so they are not pulled up as much when your arm moves. In turn, limiting animation deformity. Please consult your surgeon before trying any of these options.Best of luck,Dr. Miguel Mota  

Dear Nice969122,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Although concerning it is common for implants to settle and heal and different rates and I would recommend allowing more time to pass before assessing any differences.  Best wishes. 

Your implant is still somewhat high and should drop in time. Once it has dropped, you will probably notice its movement is similar to the lower implant.

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!
It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.
It is important to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.
It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place.
Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.
During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind