What can be done about persistent scar adhesions that cause muscle flex animation deformity?

Question

Initially had tuberous breast correction with lowering of IMF and circumareolar lift. Implants were placed dual plane but removed (en bloc) due to severe cc. I have since had the muscle repaired with  strattice ADM with fat grafting to fill in dents. I was left with a ton of scar tissue and adhesions. My breasts look ok when I’m not flexing, but when I engage my pec muscles, the lower pole of my breasts pull up. I am an active person and this animation is preventing me from wearing normal clothes or feeling comfortable with partners. What can be done at this point?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ElizabethJ,
I understand your concern. Based on your description, it sounds like you might need another revision surgery. 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

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

There really is no good solution for animation deformity.  The reason you have this is because there is no breast tissue "buffer" between the pec muscles and the skin.  So when the muscle animates you can clearly see in.  Before your surgery, although you had minimal breast tissue, there was still a soft buffer plane that would help prevent seeing the muscle contract.At this point you can try lifting the flaps off the muscle, placing a buffer such as strattice and perhaps further fat grafting at a later date or vice versa to help this.I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon for a proper exam and assessment.Hope that helps.

Gregory Park, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Unfortunately, once the pectoralis muscle connections have been released along the chest wall and you develop animation deformities, there is little that can be done to reverse the problem without implants. If you are willing to have implants placed again, the only way to "completely" solve your problem of muscle flexion deformity is to have the implants placed above the pectoralis muscles to create a barrier between your muscles and breast tissues. Another possible solution is to place the breast implants in a multiplane split muscle pocket to reduce the motion at the lower pole of your breasts when you flex. Hope this helps.

What can be done about persistent scar adhesions that cause muscle flex animation deformity?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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

What can be done about persistent scar adhesions that cause muscle flex animation deformity?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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