Pocket Change
What Is the
Pocket Change Procedure?
If your breast implants were placed beneath the chest muscle and you’re not completely satisfied with your results, you’re not alone. While many patients heal well after submuscular breast augmentation, some continue to experience concerns such as animation deformity, implants that feel firm or move unnaturally, or breasts that don’t look or feel as natural as they had hoped.
ThePocket Change technique offers an alternative approach for appropriate candidates.
This procedure involves moving the implants from beneath the chest muscle to a newly created pocket above the muscle. During surgery, the existing implant pocket is carefully closed, allowing the chest muscle to return to its natural position on the ribs while the implants are repositioned in their new location.
Why Patients ChoosePocket Change
Patients often consider the OnTop® Pocket Change technique to achieve:
- Change implant size or shape
- Capsular contracture, or tightening of scar tissue around the implant
- Implants have moved position
- Saline breast implants have deflated or silicone implant has a shell leak
- Breast tissue changes because of weight loss/gain
Every patient is unique, and the best approach depends on your anatomy, previous surgery, tissue characteristics, and aesthetic goals.
Recovery
One of the most appreciated benefits reported by many patients is the recovery experience. Because the chest muscles are preserved rather than lifted or manipulated, recovery is often more comfortable than their original submuscular breast augmentation.
Many patients are able to return to light daily activities within 24 hours, although every recovery is different.
Pocket Change Gallery
Explore real patient results
before and after.
Real Patients. Real Results.
IsPocket Change Right for You?
If your current under-the-muscle breast implants don’t look, feel, or move the way you expected, the OnTop® Pocket Change technique may be an option worth exploring. During your consultation, we’ll review your previous surgery, evaluate your anatomy, and discuss your concerns to determine whether this approach is right for you.
You don’t have to settle for results you’re only partially happy with. Our goal is to help you achieve a more natural outcome.
Pocket Change Procedure FAQs
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Will my breasts have more movement after a pocket change procedure?
Yes, moving implants from beneath the muscle to above the muscle may allow for more natural breast movement. Because the implants are no longer affected by chest muscle contraction, many patients experience improved softness and a more natural feel and appearance.
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Will the gap between my breasts be improved?
A pocket change procedure may help improve the space between the breasts by allowing Dr. Partington to reposition the implants and create a more ideal implant pocket. The amount of improvement will depend on your individual anatomy, breast shape, and existing tissue. During your consultation, Dr. Partington will discuss the results you can expect.
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Why would someone choose to move implants over the muscle?
Patients choose pocket change surgery for a variety of reasons, including correcting animation deformity (breast movement or distortion when flexing the chest muscles), addressing chronic discomfort or tightness, improving implant malposition, and achieving a more natural breast movement. This procedure may also be considered for patients seeking cosmetic revision after changes related to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging.
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Who is a good candidate?
You may be a good candidate for a pocket change procedure if you are experiencing animation deformity, muscle-related discomfort, hard breasts, or have implants beneath the chest muscle that you would like repositioned. This procedure may also be appropriate if your implants have shifted out of position or you are just unhappy with the appearance or feel of your implants. During your consultation, Dr. Partington will evaluate your existing implants, skin quality, and overall anatomy to determine whether a pocket change procedure is the best option for achieving your goals.
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Can animation deformity be corrected?
Yes. One of the primary reasons patients choose On Top Pocket Change surgery is to eliminate or significantly reduce animation deformity. By moving the implant above the muscle, the implant is no longer affected by chest muscle contraction.
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Will moving the implants over the muscle look more natural?
For many patients, yes. Eliminating muscle movement can create a more natural breast appearance during exercise and everyday activities.
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How long is recovery?
Most patients return to light daily activities within about one week. More strenuous exercise and upper-body workouts are usually postponed for four to six weeks, depending on your healing and what we recommend.
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Will my implants be replaced during surgery?
Yes. During a pocket change procedure, your existing implants will be removed and replaced. This allows Dr. Partington to create the new implant pocket, ensure the implant is properly positioned, and select an implant that best complements your anatomy and surgical goals. If you’d like to change your implant size, profile, or type, those options can also be discussed as part of your surgical plan.
