Animation deformity - how common is it?

Question

Hi there! I am a very active, fit 46 year-old who is slender. I am currently a 32A size bra, and am thinking about getting an augmentation with 200-250cc cohesive silicone implants under the muscle. I am worried, however, about animation deformity. How common is it? Does it happen to everyone who gets under-the-muscle placement? If it happens to me, is there anything that can be done surgically to ensure it doesn't happen in the first place? What can be done to correct it? Thank you so much!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The question is to what degree and how noticeable will it be.  My suggestion would be if you are very concerned then ask to speak to one of your surgeon's patients.

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Any implant placed under the muscle will have some degree of animation.  This is one of the few downsides of placing the implant under the muscle.  It is only slight in most cases and only seen when flexing the pectoralis muscle. The only way to not have it is to have the implants placed subglandular or subfascial.  Best to have a discussion with your surgeon about the pros and cons of this.Best of luck.

Gustavo E. Galante, MD · Answer

This issue will always be apparent when implants are placed under the pectoral muscle. When the muscle flexes, it displaces the implant to the side. The only way to avoid it is to place the implants above the muscle.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

All implants placed under the muscle will move with flexion of the muscle. Some patients have more flexion issues than others and it is  hard to predict and difficult to correct unless a pocket change is performed.

Todd B. Koch, MD · Answer

Severe animation deformity is uncommon.  There is always some deformity from muscle contraction over the implant.  From your question it appears you are going with relatively small implants. Have you considered a subfascial approach?  With this approach there is no concerns about animation deformity.  Discuss this option with your surgeon.  Good luck.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. There will always be some motion of the implant with muscle contraction but most patients do not find this a problem.True animation deformity occurs when the implant drops significantly below the muscle and over 1/2 of the implant is below the muscle-this is uncommon.Leaving a sling of muscle beneath the implant to support the implant is the best method to avoid this problem.If it does occur the easiest revision is to remove the implants and place them under the breast over the muscle. There are more complex muscle splitting procedures which are more difficult and less successful.

Animation deformity - how common is it?

Answers (6)