Will breast fat transfer mask animation deformity? (Photo)

Question

I had my sub-muscular silicone implants removed through transaxillary route 2 months ago. I have significant animation deformity. My surgeon said the animation deformity will decrease over time as the capsule diminishes. Is that true? Would fat transfer help to disguise this defect or is some kind of muscle repair required?

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Animation deformity occurs when implants are placed under the muscle and the muscle is divided to make room for the implant.  The muscle is displaced upwards with flexion causing the animation deformity.  this persists even after the implants are removed.  Placing fat over the muscle won't fix the underlying cause and will have minimal improvement.  Placing implants above the muscle or in a subfascial plane would be a better option.  the capsule has nothing to do with animation deformity.  capsules persist after explant and don't go away.  Animation deformity won't improve over time.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear shifted sister,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, fat transfer can improve the shape and size of your breasts as well as animation deformity. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Fat transfers will not mask animation deformity. What I do recommend is a breast lift using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers ca be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jordan Kaplan, MD · Answer

While fat transfer may mask or less the degree to which you notice the animation deformity you are experiencing, a stronger solution is the change the breast implant pocket from below the muscle to over the muscle.

Hilton Becker, MD · Answer

Animation is caused by breast tissue adhering to a mobile muscle 
Correction involves suturing the muscle adequately back into position.

Shayan Izaddoost, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Dear shifted sister,
Thank you for the question. Generally speaking, fat transfer to the best does improve animation deformity in patients that have had cosmetic breast augmentation, as well as breast reconstruction after mastectomy. However, in my experience, it may take multiple fat grafting sessions to build up enough tissue above the muscle so that the movement in the muscle does not result in the breast skin movement.
Sometimes, the muscle repair after implant removal does not hold onto the chest wall, thereby the breast will continue window shade up with contraction of the pectoralis muscle that slides freely on the chest wall. If that happens, the muscle may need to be repaired back down onto the chest wall.
As usual it is important to seek advice from a board-certified plastic surgeon prior to moving forward with your planned intervention.
Thank you
Dr. Izaddoost

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Some women always keep the animation. However, fuller breasts with a fat transfer can help minimize the movement.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

Your pictures show loss of volume and animation deformity. I close the pocket and reattach the pectoralis muscle when remove implants. Fat grafting can give you volume and help with the animation.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Nicely posted photos, YES fat grafting by true expert surgeon to areas of breasts would camaflogue the animation deformity. Fee $5,000. Best to virtual consult with....

Will breast fat transfer mask animation deformity? (Photo)

Answers (9)

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