Flexing deformity (animation deformities) happens when the implants are placed underneath the pectoral (chest) muscle. Teardrop-shaped implants help but cannot guarantee that the patient will not get animation deformities.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you are referring to the animation deformity seen when flexing the pectorals major muscle, then placement of the implants under or partial under the muscle can cause this appearance. Depending on the placement, surgeon technique, type of implants and the muscle mass, some will experience it more than others. Consult your surgeon about that.

Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Placing an implant under your pectoralis muscle puts you at risk for this complication. Movement with muscle flexion is known as an animation deformity. The amount the muscle is released medially from the rib cage can increase the amount of movement when you flex, but all patients will have some degree of movement because the muscle still works. If you want to avoid the risk of movement with flexion, then place your implants above the muscle. But, as I'm sure you are aware, this placement comes with its own downsides as well, so you will want to weigh the pros and cons.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This is a question you should ask your doctor/surgeon. In our experience, we have no way to predict that.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Muscle flexion deformity is caused by how the pectoral muscle is cut during a breast augmentation surgery. If you happen to have this condition, it can be corrected with further surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Interesting that a new term has arisen: flexing deformity. If the breast implant is put under the muscle, and I did this in most cases when I first began practice, then when the chest or pectoralis muscle contracts it causes a distortion of the implant. This is one of the negatives of going under the muscle. The positive was that it caused less hardening or capsular contracture, but in my experience with my patients, this has markedly decreased with the newer breast implants.So, I have preferred on top of the muscle, but I do individualize for each person--say for instance the patient has no breast tissue to cover the implant, then they may be a good candidate for subpectoral placement to give more covering and less feel of the implants.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I think you mean flexion deformity, which happens with implants under the muscle. When you flex they change shape; when you stop flexing they go back to normal. That's the "bad" thing. The good thing is the muscle covers the upper pole of the implant so your are less likely to see rippling. As long as your surgeon divides the muscle evenly, you will have a symmetrical deformity, which is less visible than an asymmetrical flexion deformity.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I've found that the most common thread that exists with patients with dynamic issues, is inappropriately large implants for the patients anatomic dimensions. Another is not doing a lift when one would be indicated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012