Medical Tourism Blog
Revise Implant Animation Deformity with Expert Revision Breast Surgery in Korea
Table of contents
- Revision Breast Surgery: Addressing Implant Animation Deformity
- Best Clinics in Korea for Implant Animation Deformity
- Your Medical Journey: Revision Breast Surgery in South Korea
- Costs and Value: A Medical Tourist's Perspective
- Patient Experiences and Outcomes
- Conclusion
- References
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Breast implant animation deformity is a common concern for those who have had breast augmentation or reconstruction. This condition causes unnatural movement or distortion of breast implants, especially when chest muscles contract, affecting both physical comfort and emotional well-being. Knowing what it is, why it happens, and how it impacts patients is key for anyone seeking solutions.
What is Implant Animation Deformity?
Also called dynamic breast deformity or dynamic distortion, breast implant animation deformity happens when the pectoralis major muscle contracts, causing the implant to move or distort unnaturally. Patients often describe the implant as "popping out," "squishing," or "rippling" during activities like exercise or flexing the chest muscles. This movement can also cause the skin and nipple/areola complex to shift oddly, leading to an unattractive breast appearance. Usually, the implant returns to normal once the muscle relaxes.
This condition goes by several names, reflecting its different presentations and the evolving medical understanding:
- Dynamic Breast Deformity
- Dynamic Distortion
- Breast Animation Deformity (BAD)
- Jumping Breast Syndrome
- Breast Distortion
- Flexion Distortion
Recognizing these terms helps patients find relevant information and communicate effectively with their doctors.
Why Does It Occur? (Causes, Risk Factors, Prevalence)
The main cause is placing implants under the pectoralis muscle (submuscular or subpectoral placement). This method was popular because it hides the implant better and may reduce some complications. However, when the muscle contracts, it pulls on the implant and skin, causing the deformity.
Other factors can worsen the condition, such as cutting the pectoralis muscle during surgery or using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in some cases. The deformity is much more common in breast reconstruction patients—affecting 75% to 100% of women with subpectoral reconstruction, with 80% experiencing moderate to severe cases—compared to 15-17% in cosmetic breast augmentation patients.
Patient factors like age, body mass index, or handedness don’t seem to influence the deformity, but active individuals—athletes, weightlifters, dancers—notice it more because their chest muscles contract frequently.
Impact on Patients
Beyond appearance, this deformity can cause pain, muscle twitching, and limited shoulder movement, restricting daily activities. Emotionally, the visible distortion often leads to distress, body image issues, and lowered self-confidence. Nearly half of affected women report daily emotional and psychological impacts. Diagnosis relies on clinical exams and patient reports, with grading systems helping surgeons plan treatment and set expectations.
| Pseudonym | Description |
|---|---|
| Breast Implant Animation Deformity | The most common medical term, describing dynamic movement and distortion. |
This table clarifies the various terms patients might encounter, helping them connect their symptoms to recognized medical conditions.
Revision Breast Surgery: Addressing Implant Animation Deformity
[Revision breast surgery](/blog/revision-breast-surgery-korea), or secondary breast surgery, focuses on fixing or improving results from previous breast procedures. While reasons for revision vary, animation deformity is a growing cause, with up to 28% of reconstruction patients seeking surgery for this issue.
Specific Surgical Techniques for Animation Deformity
The most effective fix is changing the implant pocket—moving the implant from under the muscle to above it (prepectoral) or just under the gland (subglandular). This stops the muscle from affecting the implant during contraction.
The surgery involves removing the old implant, detaching the pectoralis muscle from the skin and implant, and securing it to prevent future interaction. A new pocket is created above the muscle for the implant. Although prepectoral placement once had risks like implant visibility or wrinkling, advances—especially using acellular dermal matrix (ADM)—have greatly reduced these problems.
Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) Use: ADM supports thin tissue by reinforcing the skin flap, cushioning the implant, and stabilizing the pocket. Complete ADM coverage in prepectoral placement effectively eliminates animation deformity and improves breast softness and appearance. Perforated ADM can also reduce the need for drains after surgery.
Muscle Repair/Release/Division: Repairing and repositioning the pectoralis muscle restores its function and prevents implant movement. Techniques include releasing or dividing the muscle and reattaching it to the chest wall.
Capsulotomy/Capsulectomy/Capsulorrhaphy: Scar tissue around the implant may be released (capsulotomy), removed (capsulectomy), or tightened (capsulorrhaphy) to improve implant positioning.
Selective Nerve Ablation: Targeting nerves that cause muscle contraction can reduce implant movement while keeping the implant under the muscle if preferred.
Botox Injections: Temporarily paralyzing the pectoralis muscle with Botox limits implant movement as a non-surgical, short-term option.
Fat Grafting: Using the patient’s own fat adds volume, improves shape, and provides extra soft tissue coverage.
Implant Exchange: Often, the old implants are replaced with new ones, possibly of different size, type, or brand to enhance results.
| Technique | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pocket Change (Submuscular to Prepectoral/Subglandular) | Moves implant above muscle to stop muscle interaction. |
| Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) | Reinforces tissue, cushions implant, stabilizes pocket, especially with thin coverage. |
| Muscle Repair/Release/Division | Restores muscle function and prevents implant interaction. |
| Capsulotomy/Capsulectomy/Capsulorrhaphy | Manages scar tissue around implant (release, removal, or tightening). |
| Selective Nerve Ablation | Reduces muscle contraction by targeting specific nerves. |
| Botox Injections | Temporarily paralyzes muscle to limit implant movement. |
| Fat Grafting | Adds volume, refines shape, and improves soft tissue coverage. |
| Implant Exchange | Replaces implants, often with softer silicone types for better feel and look. |
This table outlines the surgical options, showing that revision surgery often combines techniques tailored to each patient’s needs.
The Surgical Process and Recovery (General)
Revision surgery usually takes 1 to 3 hours under general anesthesia. Surgeons often reuse previous incisions to minimize new scars but may create new ones if needed.
After surgery, patients are monitored as anesthesia wears off. Compression garments and drains help reduce swelling and fluid buildup. Recovery is often easier than the initial augmentation since the implant pocket already exists. Swelling and discomfort peak in the first week, improving by weeks 2-3, with light activities resuming then. Strenuous chest exercises should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Final breast shape settles over 6-12 months. Follow-ups are essential to monitor healing and remove stitches. Extensive muscle repair may require immobilization for 1-3 months.
Best Clinics in Korea for Implant Animation Deformity
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for implant animation deformity:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| THEPLUS Plastic Surgery | Strong combination of specialist expertise, research-driven planning, and end-to-end care; leadership by Dr. Lee, Dr. Kim, and Dr. Jeong; located in Gangnam’s Garosu-gil with four floors; surgeons publish, present at domestic and international symposiums, and participate in major societies; culture of safety, academic rigor, and personalized communication; more than a decade of experience translating into meticulous diagnosis, individualized surgical strategies, and attentive aftercare to resolve implant animation deformity while preserving soft, natural movement and aesthetics. | Not specified in provided text. |
| Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic Website | Award-winning, high-volume expertise; No.1 in the Breast Augmentation Category at the KBS N Korea Broadcasting Brand Awards; Selected as one of the Top 100 Good Doctors in Korea (2022); More than 16 years of experience and over 2,300 breast surgeries performed; One-doctor, personalized care overseeing consultation, surgical planning, operation, and follow-up for precise, attentive care tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals; Advanced planning that prevents and corrects animation deformity; Active participation in Motiva and Mentor academic conferences to stay current with implant technology and techniques. | 3D breast implant modeling technology to visualize and predict outcomes across implant brands and types; Free Breast Implant Trial Bra Service to refine size, fit, and design before surgery; Microscale Dual Plane Technique customized to ribcage, breast tissue, and chest anatomy; 3D Spatial Dissection to create a smooth, stable pocket and minimize postoperative swelling; High-definition endoscopic assistance for meticulous dissection and accurate implant positioning; Breast Augmentation Using a Sizer to confirm pocket dimensions, shape, and size before placing the final implant; Hybrid Breast Augmentation combining implants with fat grafting; Fat harvested from the abdomen or thighs; PRP used in grafting to increase fat survival and reduce inflammation; Sagging Correction Without Breast Lifting Surgery using specialized implants such as Mentor Boost; Comprehensive breast portfolio with revision expertise (primary augmentation, hybrid augmentation, breast lift/reduction, nipple and areolar procedures, gynecomastia, and transgender breast implant services). |
| Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website | Specialized Breast Center offering advanced, tailored care for implant animation deformity; Led by Dr. Cho, renowned for expertise in breast surgery and continuous academic contributions; manages the full spectrum of breast procedures from standard augmentation to severe cases requiring significant breast reduction; depth of experience supports precise diagnosis and individualized planning; comprehensive care journey with meticulous technique and dedicated aftercare to align correction with each patient’s goals. | Not specified in provided text. |
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
For patients seeking definitive correction of implant animation deformity in Korea, THEPLUS Plastic Surgery offers the strongest combination of specialist expertise, research-driven planning, and end-to-end care. Board-certified breast augmentation specialist Dr. Lee brings top-tier credentials—including service as a Surgery Specialist at Seoul National University Hospital and active roles in leading Korean plastic surgery societies—alongside an approach focused on natural, long-lasting outcomes that is essential for complex implant revisions. Complementing this, Dr. Kim, an award-winning researcher in 3D implants and an internationally active society member who educates surgeons annually, adds advanced planning insight that enhances precision in diagnosing and correcting animation-related concerns. Under the leadership of Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons and a frequent international speaker, the clinic maintains exacting standards that blend function and beauty in every case. Located in Gangnam’s Garosu-gil, THEPLUS spans four dedicated floors from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare, with surgeons who actively publish, present at domestic and international symposiums, and participate in major societies such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This culture of safety, academic rigor, and personalized communication—delivered by a team with more than a decade of experience—translates into meticulous diagnosis, individualized surgical strategies, and attentive aftercare that help resolve implant animation deformity while preserving soft, natural movement and aesthetics.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic
Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic, located in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul, is a leading destination for advanced breast surgery and the correction of implant animation deformity. Led by Dr. Lee Hyungmin (Hyeong-Min), a Top 100 Good Doctors honoree with more than 16 years of experience and over 2,300 breast surgeries performed, Seojin blends meticulous, one-doctor, end-to-end care with state-of-the-art technologies such as 3D imaging and high-definition endoscopy. Recognized No. 1 in the Breast Augmentation Category at the KBS N Korea Broadcasting Brand Awards, the clinic is at the forefront of innovation, offering refined surgical techniques and comprehensive planning tools that directly address the causes of animation deformity while prioritizing safety, symmetry, and natural-looking results.
-
Award-winning, high-volume expertise
- Ranked No. 1 in the Breast Augmentation Category at the KBS N Korea Broadcasting Brand Awards
- Selected as one of the Top 100 Good Doctors in Korea (2022)
- More than 16 years of experience and over 2,300 breast surgeries performed
-
One-doctor, personalized care
- Dr. Lee Hyungmin personally oversees consultation, surgical planning, operation, and follow-up for precise, attentive care tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals
-
Advanced planning that prevents and corrects animation deformity
- 3D breast implant modeling technology to visualize and predict outcomes across implant brands and types
- Free Breast Implant Trial Bra Service to refine size, fit, and design before surgery
- Active participation in Motiva and Mentor academic conferences to stay current with implant technology and techniques
-
Precision surgical techniques to control the muscle–implant interface
- Microscale Dual Plane Technique customized to ribcage, breast tissue, and chest anatomy to optimize implant placement and reduce visible motion during muscle contraction
- 3D Spatial Dissection to create a smooth, stable pocket and minimize postoperative swelling, aiding pocket control and long-term stability
- High-definition endoscopic assistance for meticulous dissection and accurate implant positioning
-
Intraoperative verification for symmetry and stability
- Breast Augmentation Using a Sizer to confirm pocket dimensions, shape, and size before placing the final implant, improving accuracy and safety
-
Hybrid solutions for softer coverage and reduced visibility of movement
- Hybrid Breast Augmentation combining implants with fat grafting for enhanced softness and contour refinement
- Fat harvested from the abdomen or thighs; PRP used in grafting to increase fat survival and reduce inflammation, supporting smoother upper-pole coverage over the pectoralis
-
Scar-sparing options when sagging coexists with animation deformity
- Sagging Correction Without Breast Lifting Surgery using specialized implants such as Mentor Boost to improve contour and nipple–implant balance while avoiding mastopexy scars
-
Comprehensive breast portfolio with revision expertise
- Primary augmentation, hybrid augmentation, breast lift/reduction, nipple and areolar procedures, gynecomastia, and transgender breast implant services, enabling tailored solutions for complex or revision cases, including implant animation deformity
You can check out their website here: Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic Website
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic’s specialized Breast Center in Korea provides advanced, tailored care for patients experiencing implant animation deformity. Led by Dr. Cho—renowned for expertise in breast surgery and continuous academic contributions—the team manages the full spectrum of breast procedures, from standard augmentation to severe cases requiring significant breast reduction that many clinics cannot perform. This depth of experience supports precise diagnosis and individualized planning to correct animation deformity and restore natural breast movement and contour.
Guided by sincerity, precision, and individualized treatment, Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic offers a comprehensive care journey, emphasizing meticulous technique and dedicated aftercare for natural, lasting results. Supported by a team of specialized professionals and cutting-edge methods, the clinic prioritizes safety, aesthetics, and long-term comfort to align correction of implant animation deformity with each patient’s unique goals.
Find more about this clinic here: Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website
Your Medical Journey: Revision Breast Surgery in South Korea
South Korea is a leading destination for plastic surgery, including revision breast surgery for animation deformity. The process for international patients is well-organized to ensure thorough care from start to finish.
The Process for International Patients
- Initial Virtual Consultation: Patients connect online with Korean surgeons to discuss their history, symptoms, and goals. This helps determine candidacy and plan surgery.
- Travel Arrangements: After scheduling, patients book flights and accommodations, often near clinics in Seoul or Busan. Clinics assist with lodging options.
- Upon Arrival: In-Person Consultation and Tests: Surgeons perform detailed exams and finalize plans. Pre-surgical tests like blood work and imaging are done. Multilingual staff and translators ensure clear communication.
- Surgery Day: Revision surgery is done under general anesthesia. Patients stay in private recovery rooms for 24 hours under observation.
- Post-Operative Care and Recovery: Clinics provide regular check-ups, wound care, and pain management. Patients stay 1-2 weeks for initial recovery and follow-ups. Specialized treatments like Smart-Lux, high-frequency therapy, ultrasound checks, and scar laser treatments support healing.
- Return Home and Long-Term Follow-up: After returning home, patients continue self-care and may communicate remotely with their Korean clinic or local doctors as the breast shape settles over months.
Key Considerations for Medical Tourists
- Communication: Multilingual support minimizes language barriers, ensuring clear understanding.
- Duration of Stay: Plan for at least 1-2 weeks in Korea for surgery and early recovery.
- Clinic Accreditation: Research clinics carefully to ensure safety and quality.
- Travel Logistics: Account for travel time, jet lag, and post-op assistance.
- Understanding Risks: Be aware of medical tourism risks, including possible need for future travel for follow-ups and variable care standards.
Costs and Value: A Medical Tourist's Perspective
South Korea offers competitive pricing for revision breast surgery combined with high-quality care, making it an attractive option for medical tourists.
Cost of Revision Breast Surgery in South Korea
Prices range from ₩13,000,000 to ₩22,000,000 KRW (about $8,944 to $15,136 USD). This usually covers:
- Surgical procedure (surgeon, anesthesia, operating room)
- Overnight stays if needed
- Pre-surgical tests (blood work, imaging)
- Post-operative care and follow-ups
- Additional health tests if required
Costs vary based on surgeon experience, clinic reputation, procedure complexity, implant type, and package inclusions. A 10% deposit is typically required to book.
Comparing Costs Globally (Revision Breast Surgery from a Medical Tourist's Perspective)
South Korea’s pricing is competitive compared to Western countries, often including more comprehensive services.
| Country | Price Range (USD) | Typical Inclusions/Exclusions |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $8,944 - $15,136 | Usually includes surgery, overnight stays, tests, and post-op care. |
| USA | $4,200 - $18,000 | Covers surgery, pre-op exams, lab tests, garments, meds; extra costs possible for stays or add-ons. |
| Mexico | $3,560 - $4,640 | Includes hospital stays, consultations, local transport; risks include communication and care standards. |
| Turkey | $683 - $7,250 | Packages may include hotel, transfers, pre-op tests; caution advised due to variable healthcare quality. |
| United Kingdom | ~$5,300 (flat rate) | Basic procedures included; extra costs for meds, recovery, follow-ups possible. |
| Australia | ~$6,880 - $12,384 | Covers surgeon, anesthetist, hospital, implant removal/replacement. |
| Thailand | $3,500 - $9,900 | Patients should consider risks related to post-op care and surgical standards. |
This comparison helps patients weigh cost against included services and quality.
Additional Medical Tourism Expenses
Beyond surgery, patients should budget for:
- Flights ($800–$1,500 round-trip from the US)
- Accommodation ($70–$150 per night for 1-2 weeks)
- Local transport (subway rides under $2; taxis $5–$20)
- Meals ($6–$20 per meal)
- Visa ($20–$80) and travel insurance ($50–$200)
- Miscellaneous personal expenses and any extra medical tests or care
Planning these costs ensures a smooth medical tourism experience.
Patient Experiences and Outcomes
Revision surgery for animation deformity offers significant relief and improved quality of life.
Addressing Animation Deformity: What Patients Can Expect
The main benefit is eliminating or greatly reducing implant movement during muscle contraction. Studies show high rates of complete resolution.
Patients also see aesthetic improvements: more natural cleavage, better implant appearance, and restored symmetry. Physical symptoms like pain and muscle twitching often improve, allowing patients to resume active lifestyles confidently. The combination of implant repositioning and muscle repair provides a durable fix.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimized movement of the implants | Ensures implants stay stable during muscle contraction. |
| More natural-appearing breast cleavage | Creates a smoother, harmonious look. |
| Improved aesthetic appearance of the implants | Corrects distortion and unnatural contours. |
| Restoration of breast symmetry | Balances breast appearance. |
| Long-lasting outcome | Provides a durable correction. |
| Relief of discomfort | Reduces pain and muscle twitching. |
This table summarizes the key improvements patients can expect.
Real-Life Stories: Successes and Improvements
Linda, an athlete, had submuscular implants that caused severe animation deformity affecting function and appearance. Her revision surgery included implant removal, capsulectomy, muscle repair, and pocket closure. By day five post-op, her deformity was gone, and her breasts looked natural and balanced. She was thrilled to return to her active lifestyle without discomfort or self-consciousness, illustrating the profound benefits of revision surgery.
Important Considerations for Patients
- Realistic Expectations: Surgeons use grading systems to tailor treatment and set achievable goals. Honest discussions help align patient hopes with surgical possibilities.
- Surgeon Communication and Expertise: Choose surgeons experienced in complex breast revisions and animation deformity correction. Open, patient-centered communication is vital.
- Patient Selection: Ideal candidates have noticeable deformity with muscle flexion, good physical and mental health, positive self-image, and understand surgical risks.
Conclusion
Breast implant animation deformity causes unnatural implant movement during chest muscle contraction, leading to physical discomfort and emotional distress. Revision breast surgery, mainly by repositioning implants above the muscle and using techniques like ADM and muscle repair, effectively resolves this issue. South Korea offers a well-structured medical tourism experience with competitive pricing and high-quality care. Patients can expect significant improvements in implant stability, breast appearance, and relief from symptoms, enabling a return to active, confident living. Success depends on realistic expectations, expert surgical care, and careful patient selection.
References
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