Breast Animation Correction, Bellevue & Kirkland
Procedure Time
55 Minutes
Recovery Time
5 days
Breast Animation Correction, Bellevue & Kirkland
You love the volume your breast augmentation gave you, but something feels wrong when you move. Every time you lift weights, do yoga, or even push open a heavy door, your breasts distort or shift unnaturally. It is uncomfortable, but it is also embarrassing to see your implants “jump” or ripple with every flex of your chest muscles.
This is usually caused by breast animation deformity. At Northwest Face & Body, our double board-certified cosmetic surgeons offer a solution with a Breast Animation Correction, serving Bellevue, Kirkland, and the Greater Seattle Area.
What Is Breast Animation Deformity?
Breast animation deformity (BAD) is a condition where an augmented or reconstructed breast implant shifts visibly. This happens because the implants are placed under the chest muscles (pectoralis muscle), which are responsible for your chest movement (like flexing or pushing). When the muscle contracts, it can pull on the implant and surrounding tissues, leading to visible shifting, rippling, or shape changes. This condition does not occur in every woman, as it is seen in those with much tighter chest muscles.
Common signs of breast implant animation deformity
- Visible breast distortion when the chest muscles contract
- Implant movement upward, inward, or outward during arm activity
- Asymmetry during motion, even if symmetry looks acceptable at rest
- Rippling or wrinkling that appears with movement
- Tightness, discomfort, or muscle-related pulling sensations
- Unpredictable implant behavior during exercise or lifting
- Clothing fit issues due to shifting contour
What Causes Breast Animation Deformity?
- Submuscular Placement: The primary cause is placing the breast implant under the pectoralis major muscle. While this is a standard technique to prevent capsular contracture, it ties the breast appearance to muscle movement.
- Strong Chest Muscles: Women who exercise frequently or have naturally strong pectoral muscles are at higher risk. When the muscle contracts, it compresses and displaces the implant beneath it.
- Surgical Technique: In some initial augmentations, the muscle is not released adequately along the lower pole. This creates a tight pocket that pulls the implant upward or sideways during activity.
What is Breast Animation Correction?
Breast Animation Correction is a restorative surgery in Kirkland designed to separate your breast implant from your chest muscle. It resolves the mechanical conflict that causes your breasts to distort when you move.
The core issue is that the muscle and the implant are linked too tightly. When the pectoral muscle contracts, it squeezes the implant, causing it to move. This correction surgery breaks that link.
At Northwest Face & Body, our surgeons would release the muscle and move the implant to a stress-free position, typically placing it over the muscle rather than under it. This ensures that your muscle can flex independently without grabbing or pulling on the breast tissue. The result is a breast that stays soft, round, and stable, regardless of your activity level.
What are the benefits of breast animation correction in Bellevue & Kirkland?
- Natural breast movement during all activities
- Improved implant positioning and stability
- Enhanced comfort during exercise
- Restored confidence in appearance
- Symmetrical results that look natural
Procedure of Breast Animation Correction
Procedure Details
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
- Recovery: Return to normal activities in 2 to 3 weeks
- Full Results: Visible within 3 to 6 months
Who is a good candidate for Breast Animation Correction?
- Experience visible implant movement with muscle flex
- Have submuscular breast implants
- Maintain good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about results
- Completed initial breast augmentation at least 6 months a
Recovery Timeline
Recovering from animation correction is often more manageable than the original augmentation because the muscle is no longer being stretched. However, proper rest is vital for the new pocket to heal.
- Days 1-3: You will experience mild soreness and swelling. Most patients manage discomfort with prescribed medication and rest.
- Week 1: Many patients return to sedentary work or desk jobs. You must avoid lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk.
- Weeks 4-6: Light cardio can resume. You should continue to avoid heavy lifting or upper-body resistance training.
- Week 6 Onwards: Most surgeons clear patients for all activities, including chest exercises.
Risks and considerations
- Infection, bleeding, fluid collection, or delayed healing
- Capsular contracture or recurrent tightness
- Implant malposition or asymmetry
- Rippling or implant visibility, especially with thin tissue coverage
- Need for additional revision procedures
- Anesthesia-related risks
Why Choose Northwest Face & Body for Breast Animation Correction?
Northwest Face & Body has been a pillar of the medical community since 1983. With over four decades of operation, our practice is built on a foundation of stability, long-term patient relationships, and proven results.
Our surgeons maintain double board certification and have years of experience in breast-related surgeries.
Our providers are recognized leaders in implementing the newest and most effective medical techniques. Their expertise is highly sought after, leading to appearances on numerous national and local television programs, in print media, and on radio broadcasts. They have performed thousands of successful breast correction surgeries, helping women regain confidence and comfort in their appearance.
Your safety is our top priority. Northwest Face and Body maintains the highest standards of well-being, certified with Medicare, the most rigorous inspection standard for outpatient surgery centers.
Schedule Your Breast Animation Consultation Today
Stop letting breast animation deformity control your life in Kirkland. Take the first step toward natural, comfortable results that restore your confidence.
Contact Northwest Face & Body now to schedule your personalized consultation. Our surgeons will evaluate your specific concerns, discuss your options, and create a customized treatment plan for lasting results.
Call (425) 472-1046 or book online and reclaim your comfort and confidence with expert breast animation correction.
FAQ
How long does breast animation correction surgery take?
Breast animation correction surgery at Northwest Face & Body in Bellevue typically takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the correction and whether an implant exchange is required.
Will insurance cover breast animation correction in Kirkland?
Most insurance plans consider this an elective cosmetic procedure. However, we offer financing options to make treatment accessible.
Can animation deformity return after correction?
No, if performed at Northwest Face and Body, results from breast animation correction provide permanent results with minimal risk of recurrence.
How soon can I exercise after surgery?
After breast animation correction surgery in Bellevue and Kirkland, patients can typically resume light activities after 2 weeks. Full exercise, including upper-body workouts, is generally cleared at six to eight weeks post-surgery.
Do I need new implants during animation correction?
Not always. Your surgeon will determine whether implant replacement is necessary based on the condition of your current implants and your desired outcome.
What's the difference between animation deformity and capsular contracture?
Animation deformity in Kirkland involves implant movement with muscle flexion, while capsular contracture causes hardening and distortion due to scar tissue tightening around the implant.
Will I have visible scars after correction surgery?
Surgeons typically use existing incision sites when possible. Any new incisions are strategically placed and fade significantly over time.
Can I combine animation correction with other procedures?
Yes, many patients combine animation correction Kirkland with breast lift, size change, or other aesthetic procedures for comprehensive results.