Are muscular women at a higher risk of animation deformation with submuscular implants? (Photo)

I have performed dual plane since the technique was available and never went back to subglandular especially someone who is as thin as you are. You don't have enough fat under the skin to hide the top edge of the implant, the implant will only be held by your skin which is already so loose and will sag quicker and the implant will be next to the breast gland, so higher risk of capsular contracture.
The animation is very noticeable with submuscular plane not dual plane if it's done right.

Hello,
You may ask 10 doctors the same question but you may get 10 different answers. If you like to workout or have a labor intensive job I may suggest going on top of the muscle. There would be no muscle animation and less risk of implant displacement.
All the best,
Dr. Joe

Dear Onelove79,
I almost always place implants submuscular. It lowers the rate of capsular contracture significantly. In addition, it looks much more natural because the muscle provides covering over the implant so its not as round on the top. I've also noticed the implants drop less over time when they are protected under the muscle.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

There can be more problems with animation if the implant is placed below your pectoral muscle. It is far less likely above the muscle. A dual plane approach for breast augmentation is still placing the implant below the muscle, although the muscle is partially divided. With only a small amount of breast tissue, like you have, the animation of the implant would be more evident because there is less tissue to camouflage it. You may wish to meet with additional plastic surgeons to get additional opinions as to which way would be the best way forward for you. Best wishes.

I can see how that would be confusing. One of the joys of plastic surgery is there is not just one to do something, and neither is necessarily incorrect. Generally speaking, patients who flex their chest muscles (i.e. body builders or entertainers) animation deformity can be problematic. If that is not you, then it should not be a problem. You can have submuscular or dual plane placement with minimal movement of the implant; however, a submuscular implant will almost always move to some degree when flexing the chest muscles. For patients with limited upper pole or superior breast fullness, such as yourself, a pre pectoral implant may be more prominent and show rippling or visibility of the implant capsule. A dual plane approach allows the implant to fill out the lower portion of the breast tissue while providing superior pole coverage. I hope this helps!

Thank you for your question. A large portion of my practice is dedicated to breast surgery and revision breast surgery. You are an excellent candidate for a standard dual plane breast augmentation with silicone implants. I have a whole gallery of patient's I have long-term deformities associated with placing implants on top of the muscle. There is virtually no support when you place the implants on top of the muscle, and they tend to slide down and have a much higher rate of capsular contracture. An animation deformity is possible and probable in every body. The vast majority are happy and the animation deformity is minimal. I also have a lot of experience in dealing with The builders as well as a figure and fitness competitors. He should be able to have an excellent result. Best wishes to you.

Yes, muscular women are at higher risk for animation deformity with submuscular implants. However, it may be possible to place your implants totally submuscular while using a circumareola approach to elevate the nipple-areola complex higher. You may be able to avoid the dual plane which extrudes inferiorly and laterally or use smaller size implants.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Most women are ok with this. The implants can temporarily "dance" when the chest muscles are tightened, much like wrestlers on tv. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Submuscular implant placement will always have some amount of animation deformity. This may be more pronounced in patients that are more active or muscular. Subglandular or subfascial placement is the only way to avoid it completely.

Thank you for your question and photo. An examination in person would be best to properly evaluate you and make a specific recommendation. That said, it appears you have a very low total body fat percentage which means that an implant placed in the subglandular or subfascial plane (both of which are ABOVE the muscle would have little risk of animation deformity but higher risk of looking fake with the implant edge visible and evident and the potential for rippling. A more “natural” look can be achieved in the subpectoral (dual) plane but there is indeed a risk of animation deformity.

Although whenever possible I recommend a subfascial plane, in patients such as yourself I generally recommend dual plane. Once you have healed and have no restrictions (about four weeks) you can test yourself in front of a mirror. If the animation deformity is evident, train yourself to avoid embarrassing yourself at the pool or gym by avoiding those movements. The good news is that until a few years ago, the vast majority of women in the USA who underwent breast augmentation have had their implants placed in the dual plane (subpectoral) and have minimal complaints or concerns regarding animation deformity. This is a far greater issue in breast reconstruction than it is in augmentation. Best of luck to you.