You may have undergone breast augmentation or reconstruction, expecting a smooth, natural-looking result, only to find your implants shift or distort noticeably when you move your upper body or flex your chest muscles. This can be not only unsettling but also impact your confidence, especially during activities like working out or even lifting everyday objects.
If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing breast animation deformity. At New York Group for Plastic Surgery, our skilled surgeons have extensive experience diagnosing and correcting this condition. Whether you’re noticing subtle rippling or dramatic changes in implant positioning when you move, this guide will help you understand what animation deformity is, how it presents, and how it can be effectively treated.
What is breast animation deformity?
Breast animation deformity occurs when breast implants—especially those placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle (subpectoral implants)—shift or become visibly distorted during muscle movement. This condition results from the dynamic interaction between the chest muscle and the implant, particularly when the implant is not fully covered or stabilized by the muscle.
Common in both cosmetic augmentation and post-mastectomy reconstruction, animation deformity is most noticeable during activities that involve flexing the chest muscles. While the condition is not harmful, it can be aesthetically displeasing and physically uncomfortable for many patients. Fortunately, it is treatable through advanced surgical techniques.
Common signs and symptoms of breast animation deformity:
Animation deformity often presents in specific, visible ways. You may not even notice it until engaging in certain movements, but once it begins interfering with your lifestyle or body image, correction becomes a priority. Some of the most common signs include:
- Visible breast distortion when flexing or contracting chest muscles
- Breast implants shifting upward, inward, or outward during movement
- Asymmetry between the two breasts while in motion
- A rippling or wrinkling appearance across the breast during activity
- Discomfort or tightness when using the upper body muscles
- Difficulty wearing certain clothes due to unpredictable implant movement
- Loss of a natural breast appearance while exercising or lifting
How can breast animation deformity be treated?
Correcting breast animation deformity requires a tailored surgical approach. The main goal is to reposition and secure the implant so it no longer responds to muscle contractions. At New York Group for Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons use several advanced methods to resolve animation deformity while preserving the aesthetics of the breast.
Switching from subpectoral to prepectoral placement
One of the most effective ways to treat breast animation deformity is by moving the implant from a subpectoral (under the muscle) to a prepectoral (above the muscle) position. This eliminates the interference of the pectoralis major muscle with the implant, allowing the breast to maintain a stable, natural appearance during movement.
In this procedure, the implant is repositioned above the muscle and secured within a carefully created soft tissue pocket. To reinforce support and enhance outcomes, your surgeon may also place an acellular dermal matrix (ADM), which acts as a scaffold to support the implant. This approach is especially beneficial for patients with adequate soft tissue coverage and those seeking an elegant, undisturbed breast contour during physical activity.
Using muscle-splitting or partial muscle release techniques
Another method for correcting animation deformity involves selectively modifying the pectoralis muscle without completely changing the implant’s placement. In these cases, your surgeon may opt for a muscle-splitting or partial muscle release technique, which involves carefully releasing a portion of the muscle’s attachment to decrease its pull on the implant.
This method reduces the tension exerted by the muscle while preserving most of its strength and function. It’s a useful option for patients who are highly active or want to maintain as much muscle integrity as possible. By minimizing the muscle’s movement over the implant, this technique helps reduce visible distortion while keeping the implant securely in place.
Adding soft tissue support with acellular dermal matrix
Regardless of whether the implant is placed prepectorally or the muscle is partially released, adding structural support with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) can significantly improve long-term results. ADM materials such as AlloDerm® or FlexHD® are biologically compatible grafts that integrate with your own tissue to reinforce the breast pocket.
Acellular dermal matrix provides a strong, stable framework for the implant, improves the shape and contour of the breast, and helps minimize issues such as rippling or shifting. This added support is particularly valuable in revision surgeries, where tissue quality may be compromised or the previous pocket has stretched or thinned.
Selecting the right implant during revision
In some cases, the implant itself contributes to the appearance of animation deformity, particularly if it’s poorly matched to your anatomy or lacks structure. During revision surgery, your surgeon may recommend replacing the existing implant with one that offers a better fit—whether that means adjusting the size, shape, or projection.
For example, choosing a more cohesive gel implant can help the breast maintain its shape under pressure and resist visible wrinkling or movement. The right breast implant selection, in combination with an optimized surgical approach, ensures your final result looks natural and remains stable during motion. At New York Group for Plastic Surgery, your revision will be fully customized based on your needs, goals, and body structure.
Restore optimal breast movement and outcomes
If you’re experiencing unusual breast movement, rippling, or implant distortion when using your upper body, you may be dealing with animation deformity. While the condition can be frustrating, the good news is that it’s highly treatable with expert surgical care.
At New York Group for Plastic Surgery, our team of experienced reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons is committed to restoring your comfort and confidence through precise, individualized treatment plans. Schedule a consultation with New York Group for Plastic Surgery and explore your options for confident movement and beautiful, stable outcomes.
