Introduction: When Subpectoral Implants Cause Problems
For decades, breast implants for reconstruction were placed under the chest muscle (subpectoral). While this technique provided coverage for the implant, many women developed a frustrating complication known as animation deformity.
Animation deformity occurs when the implants:
- Move unnaturally when chest muscles flex (during exercise or even simple arm movements)
- Cause visible distortion of the breasts
- Lead to pain, tightness, or spasms with muscle activity
Patients often search for solutions online using terms like:
- “Breast implant animation deformity Fairfield CT”
- “Implant revision surgery near me”
- “Switching from subpectoral to prepectoral implants”
At Jandali Plastic Surgery in Trumbull, CT, we help women across Fairfield County and Southern Connecticut correct animation deformity by exchanging subpectoral implants for prepectoral placement, often combined with fat grafting for natural softness and contour.
Why Does Animation Deformity Happen?
Animation deformity occurs because the implant is placed under the pectoralis muscle, which contracts with arm, chest, or shoulder movement. This causes:
- Shifting or distortion of the breast from the muscle pulling on the skin and also squeezing the implant
- Tightness or spasms
- Pain with activity or exercise
- Visible implant movement, making reconstruction look unnatural
This problem is common in women who are active, such as those who exercise regularly, swim, or do yoga.
The Solution: Prepectoral Conversion
The best solution is to remove the implant from under the muscle and place it above the muscle in the prepectoral position.
Benefits of Prepectoral Conversion:
- No more implant movement with muscle contraction
- Less pain and tightness after surgery and during daily life
- More natural breast appearance (no distortion during exercise)
- Improved comfort for athletes and active women
- Reduced risk of chronic spasms
Fat grafting is usually performed to:
- Add softness and thickness over the implant
- Reduce the risk of rippling or visible implant edges
- Improve the overall contour of the breast
My Experience with Prepectoral Revisions
I’m Dr. Shareef Jandali, a board-certified plastic surgeon with 15 years of experience in breast reconstruction and revision surgery.
I’ve helped many women in Fairfield County and Southern Connecticut who suffered with animation deformity finally feel comfortable and confident again after prepectoral implant conversion.
The Implant Exchange Procedure
- Remove subpectoral implants and release scar tissue if necessary
- Place the pectoralis major muscle back on the chest in its original position
- Recreate the implant pocket above the muscle (prepectoral)
- Place new smooth tissue expanders or implants in the prepectoral position with acellular dermal matrix for support
- Perform fat grafting for softness and contour improvement (usually at a second procedure)
Recovery is generally quicker than the first reconstruction, with most women resuming light activity in 1–2 weeks.
Insurance Coverage
All revisions for animation deformity are fully covered by insurance.
This is true whether:
- You are years or decades out from your mastectomy
- You’ve had multiple prior revisions
- The problem is pain, spasms, or distortion
Coverage is guaranteed under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA).
Common Questions About Animation Deformity Revision
Will switching to prepectoral implants stop the movement?
Yes — because the implant is now in front of the muscle, the muscle can no longer adhere to and pull on the skin. The implant no longer shifts or distorts when the muscle contracts.
Does prepectoral placement look natural?
Yes — especially when combined with fat grafting, the results look soft and natural.
Will there be more rippling?
In some cases, yes, but this is addressed with fat grafting to smooth and thicken the tissue.
How long is recovery?
Most women are back to work in 1–2 weeks, with full activity by 4–6 weeks.
Will insurance cover my revision?
Yes — all reconstruction revisions, including animation deformity correction, are covered.
Can I switch at the time of implant exchange?
Yes — many women revise to prepectoral when exchanging older implants.
Patient Testimonial
“My implants always looked strange when I worked out. They shifted every time I flexed my arms, and it was uncomfortable. Dr. Jandali switched me to prepectoral implants with fat grafting, and I finally feel normal again. My breasts look natural, and the pain is gone.”
— S.L., Fairfield, CT
Serving Southern Connecticut
We see patients for implant revision and reconstruction from:
Trumbull, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, Shelton, Norwalk, Westport, Weston, Wilton, Easton, Monroe, Oxford, Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, Newtown, Bethel, and Southbury.
Why Choose Jandali Plastic Surgery
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced reconstruction expertise and over 150 breast reconstructions performed yearly
- 15 years of breast reconstruction experience
- Majority of practice focused on reconstruction and revision surgery
- Personalized surgical plans with fat grafting for best results
- Insurance navigation support from our team
Related Articles in the Breast Reconstruction Blog Series
- Prepectoral Tissue Expander and Implant Reconstruction
- Implant Exchange for Recalled Allergan Textured Implants
- Implant Exchange for Animation Deformity
- Delayed Reconstruction & Revision for Capsular Contracture, Asymmetry, or Poor Results
- Delayed Reconstruction After Lumpectomy & Radiation
- Oncoplastic Reconstruction at Time of Lumpectomy
- Free Nipple Grafts in Implant Reconstruction
- Goldilocks Breast Reconstruction with Free Nipple Grafts
- DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Renuva Adipose Matrix for Reconstruction
Call to Action
If you are struggling with animation deformity, pain, or spasms from subpectoral implants, learn about your options for prepectoral implant conversion.
Jandali Plastic Surgery
5520 Park Ave, Suite WP-2-300, Trumbull, CT 06611
203-374-0310
