Animation deformity/flex deformity - responsibility of the surgeon? Possible solutions? (photo)

Question

Hallo, I have a problem with my dual plane BA performed in September 2016. When I flex the implants go and I feel in the lower part as there is something pulling my breast outwards. Has my surgeon any responsibility concerning this side effect (is it possible that something went wrong when he cut the muscle?) Will putting smaller implants possibly minimize this effect? What other corrective actions may be performed to correct this? Thanks for your answers

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Animation deformity is very common with the dual plane technique. For the past 12 years I have been using the split muscle plane, which provides muscle coverage over the upper pole but leaves the muscle attachments intact. It was developed as a variation of the subfascial method, which does not provide implant coverage over the upper part of the implant as well. Your problem can be corrected by converting to the split muscle plane. If you convert to subfascial be sure that the surgeon re-attaches the muscle. I don't know anyone in IT who does the split muscle technique but Dr. Umar Khan in the UK does it.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

No, the solution is not smaller implants; it is just a faulty technique in which the muscle was insufficiently released; only the extended muscle release partical submuscular plane (aka dual plane) or the strongly recommended and neatly superior subfascial plane do prevent the animation or flex deformity; a total submuscular location or poorly freed muscle are the causes of your deformity.With that said it is understandable the solution for your case is finishing the release of the muscle into a correct dual plane or, to gain safety and prevent recurrence, turn to the more modern subfascial location.
I must also criticize you got round implants, they look really fake in slim and sportive women. Additionally they are not well chosen for your frame, your cleavage is empty and your breasts wide apart, you really need wider base width implants.
I strongly recommend the 5th (latest) generation of implants made of 
cohesive silicone gel filler, macrotextured shell and anatomical shape 
profile, preferently in the subfascial plane (less aggression and better
 recovery).
Please do post or send privately a full set of good 
quality, well lit and focused standard photos: frontal, both lateral 
views and both oblique views.
Feel free to request any additional information from me.

Donald W. Kress, MD, FACS · Answer

In Britain almost 90% of dual plane surgeries were unsatisfied with the animation problem. My suggestion is to change the implants to subfascial position. That still gives protection from edge show, wrinkles or ripples but since it's above the muscle it isn't vulnerable to animation problems. By the way, this is the most common technique in South America and it's gaining popularity in the US. Make certain you surgeon has done this procedure.

Frank Conroy, MBChB, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi
Animation can occur when implants are placed under the muscle during a breast augmentation.  The pectoralis major muscle can cause movement of the implant when it is flexed.  Whilst it can be bothersome it is not dangerous.  To remedy the situation there are a few options ranging from further division of the muscle to removing the implants and replacing them in a subglandular pocket.  Without a full examination it is difficult to say.  I would discuss your concerns with your PS.

Animation deformity/flex deformity - responsibility of the surgeon? Possible solutions? (photo)

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Answer: Animation

Answer: Animation

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Animation deformity/flex deformity - responsibility of the surgeon? Possible solutions? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Animation

Answer: Animation

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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.