Can I do something to prevent animation deformity from becoming more severe after my breast augmentation?

Texasgal I appreciate your concern, however animation deformity is somewhat common and there are various degrees of severity. Some women actually have modest deformity and either do not even notice it or it does not bother them. This condition can be corrected, however it does require a small revision surgery.  Ask your plastic surgeon about possibly discounting the revision, as this is something I do as a courtesy for my patients as it is a complication that cannot be predicted and is nobody’s fault! Good luck.

Unfortunately at least 3 out of 4 patients with the common dual plane method experience some degree of animation deformity, because the pectoral muscle is partly detached. It then adheres to the capsule, causing distortion. Correction of the problem can be done by either converting to the split muscle plane, which preserves coverage over the upper pole, or subfascial. The detached part of the muscle has to be re-attached behind the breast.

Thanks for sharing your concerns. Animation is not uncommon and there are surgery procedures to help and eliminate or reduce animation. However, without a set of photographs and an exam, it is impossible to discuss. I suggest you speak with your plastic surgeon about your options. In most cases, reasonable plastic surgeons are willing to help their patients and provide a low cost revision procedure for something like this...Good luck. Dr. ALDO

Thanks for your question. I'm not aware of anything that you could personally do to improve or worsen that problem, but there are several surgical fixes for it. I'd go see your plastic surgeon again and just ask if there is anything he/she can do to keep your costs down. Best wishes

There is nothing that you personally can do to change the development or worsening of an animation deformity.  If it is distressing to you, there are surgical means to correct the problem.  Share your concerns with your surgeon to discuss options.

Animation issues are a difficult issue and somewhat common.   There are many options that you should discuss with your surgeon.   The treatment can depend on the exact issue and how the amount overlying soft tissue (and breast tissue ) available.   

Animation can occur if implants are placed underneath the muscle.  Depending on the degree to which the muscle was released by your surgeon, you may have more, or less animation.  From a non-operative perspective, theoretically Botox can work in paralyzing your muscle, but this would have to be carefully injected under ultrasound guidance to avoid penetrating your implant.  Surgical options are more reliable, including switching planes from sub-muscular to sub-glandular and further release of your muscle.  Hope this helps.

Thank you for you question.  Unfortunately, with out a photograph is hard to tell how extensive your animation deformity is. Do you have your implants sub pectoral (under the muscle) ? If so the only way to correct this, would be to have your implants placed sub glandular (above the muscle). Although, there are some disadvantages to placing implants above the muscle, this may be a good resolution for you. It would be best to re-discuss your options with the surgeon who performed your breast augmentation, or get a second opinion.

Please be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to insure safety and the best outcome!

Fortunately, your animation deformity after breast augmentation should not get any worse than it already is. Unfortunately, the only way to improve it is with another surgery. I would speak to your plastic surgeon to see if he or she will reduce their fees for revision.