Why Do My Breasts Look Like This When I Flex My Muscles? (photo)

Question

I had breast augmentation and lift with the implants under muscle a year ago.Why they look like that? What can be done?

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Your are seeing an animation deformity from the pec major muscle contraction over the implant.  If you have your implants replaced to a sub glandular position then you will see improvement.  However, you would need an evaluation to ensure that there is adequate tissue coverage, etc prior to surgery.  Also, on your right breast on the vertical incision it looks like there is a scab or other issue going on.  You should have your surgeon take a look to ensure that there is not a piece of suture poking out causing chronic irritation to the area.

	 

	Good Luck.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. You are demonstrating an animation deformity that occurs to some degree with most subpectoral augmentations. If the movement of the implants is troubling you, you can consider replacement of the implants above the muscle.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Due to implant placement under the pec major muscle, there will always be a little animation of the implant with flexion. If the pec major is released too much, it may cause significant animation that may be unacceptable. Options include repositioning the implants over the pec major muscle.

Asaad H. Samra, MD, FACS · Answer

When implants are placed under the pectorals muscle during a breast augmentation, the patient may find that after surgery flexing that muscle will result in movement or shifting of their breastsd. This is known as "animation deformity". It is not uncommon and can only be "fixed" with re-operation.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.

	Your breasts change shape when you activate the pectoralis muscles because of the positioning of the breast implants and the sub muscular position. This &ldquo;animation deformity&rdquo; is a down side of submuscular breast implant positioning  that can be annoying to patients;  However, there are many upsides  to having breast implants placed in this position.

	I would suggest that you be careful about repositioning breast implants in the sub glandular position and having  to deal with the downsides associated with this situation.

	Best wishes.

Why Do My Breasts Look Like This When I Flex My Muscles? (photo)

Answers (9)