Reason for implant having an indent when flexing breast muscle - 2 months post-op. (Photos)

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent surgery. It's difficult to answer without preoperative photos or knowing exactly what was done during your surgery. With implants placed under the muscle, sometimes women can develop implant movement or an area flattening when the chest muscle contracts. I would get back in touch with your plastic surgeon so that they can give you some specific answers.

Implants placed under the muscle using the dual plane technique commonly develop animation deformity, which is likely what you have. That is because part of the pectoral muscle is detached, and this part of the muscle then adheres to the scar capsule during healing, so contracting the muscle distorts the breast. More "release" of the muscle often makes it worse. Converting to the split muscle plane (not the same as dual plane) re-establishes the normal anatomic attachments of the muscle but leaves muscle coverage over the upper portion of the implant where it is most needed.

Thank you for your questions. Unfortunately, the pictures do not show your concern well. What you are describing sounds like animation deformity and can happen with implants placed under the muscle and scar tissue develops between the muscle and the overlying skin. Any implant placed under the muscle is going to have some movement or deformity with severe animation. If this causes significant problems for you, you should discuss with your surgeon options to improve it but this may require revision surgery. Hope this helps!

Hello and thanks for posting your question and photos on RealSelf.comIt's very difficult to speculate about the observations you have made regarding changes in your breast postoperatively. Your pre-op starting point is typically very helpful in predicting your post operative result. Asymmetries that exist prior to your operation, unless specifically addressed by your surgeon, will remain postoperatively. I would recommend keeping an open dialogue with your plastic surgeon about what you are observing and discuss your concerns with them.Best wishes.

Assuming that your implants were place under the muscle, the indentation is the border of the released muscle. When you flex your chest by pushing your hands against your hips you may notice that the implants move. If this bothers you and the animation is excessive, this can be surgically improved by releasing more of the muscle. Best to discuss your concerns with your surgeons.Best wishes,Dr. Ravi Somayazula

The indentation of the breast when flexing is known as animation deformity. This is a common occurrence when breast implants are placed under the muscle. A dual plane split muscle pocket can reduce the muscle animation, but it does not eliminate it. The only way to eliminate this is by placing the implants above the muscles. Thank you for sharing your photos and question. Best wishes. Dr. Gregory Park, #plasticsurgery