What is Dynamic Breast Deformity?
Dynamic breast deformity is a condition characterized by the movement of breast implants upon flexing of the chest muscles. Another common term for this is “implant animation”. Either way, this condition is commonly presented in cases where the breast implant is placed underneath the chest muscle (pectoralis muscle).
Why Do Plastic Surgeons Utilize The Submuscular Method If Dynamic Deformity Results?
When the breast implant is placed underneath the muscle, this is called a submuscular breast augmentation. Some plastic surgeons utilize this method because they feel it may sometimes achieve a better appearance for the patient. This is because the muscle “hides” the implant by providing an extra layer of tissue over it. This practice originally began when the the only implants we had available in the United States were saline implants. The saline implants had a tendency to show rippling under the skin and the muscle helped to hide some of that. Now a days, we have much better silicone implants that don’t have as much of an issue of rippling.
Although the implant is placed underneath the muscle, the implant is not fully covered by the pectoralis muscles. Therefore, when the muscles are contracted, the implant has the potential to move up and outward. This is why the condition is often referred to as “implant animation”.
Is There A Different Breast Augmentation Method To Avoid Dynamic Deformity?
At Chau Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons use a technique called the subfascial breast augmentation.
The subfascial breast augmentation carries the benefits of both the subglandular (over the muscle) and submuscular (under the muscle). With the subfascial method, the implant is placed over the muscle but underneath the sheet of connective tissue that covers the front side of the muscle, called the fascia.
By utilizing this method, the implant can still take advantage of being “held” in by the fascia, similarly to how the muscle holds the breast implant in place with the submuscular method. Unlike the submuscular method, however, when the pectoralis muscles are flexed, the implant does not “move” since it is not being contracted upon.
Why Don’t All Plastic Surgeons Utilize The Subfascial Breast Augmentation?
The subfascial breast augmentation is only utilized by board-certified plastic surgeons who have extensive training and experience with this technique. At Chau Plastic Surgery, the subfascial method is our preferred way to perform breast augmentations because of the lasting results and great aesthetic appearance that our patients gain from this procedure.
Before asking your plastic surgeon if they can utilize this technique for your breast augmentation, you will always want to make sure to ask for before and after photos or case studies with this technique. The subfascial breast augmentation takes great skill to execute correctly, and experience with this specific technique is necessary to produce great looking, lasting results.
What If I Already Have Dynamic Breast Deformity?
If you have had a submuscular breast augmentation in the past and are experiencing “animation” of your breast implants, you should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon as soon as possible.
Often times, your augmentation can be transferred to a subfascial placement of the implants and resolve this issue. However, consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon will ensure that your individual case will be reviewed and the options presented will be unique to your individual situation.
To get a professional opinion from Dr. Bruce Chau or Dr. Barak Tanzman, reach out to us today for a free consultation!