If you decide to undergo breast augmentation, the implant type is not the only choice you can make. One of the things you should also consider is the placement of your breast implant.
In deciding your breast implant placement, there are two options to choose from:
- Subglandular
- Submuscular
Each type of placement has its advantages and disadvantages. It may be best if you discuss your desired outcome with your plastic surgeon.
Interested in Breast Augmentation?
If you would like to know more about breast augmentation, you may watch the video or visit our resources for further reading. You may also schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons to assess your candidacy.
Breast Implants: Over or Under the Muscle?
For over the muscle (subglandular) breast implant placement, the implant is placed between your chest muscle and your breast tissue located under your glands. As compared to the sub-muscular option, this placement helps you reduce your surgery and recovery time.
On the other hand, for under the muscle (submuscular) breast implant placement, implants are placed partially or wholly under the chest muscle (pectoralis major muscle). It may require a longer, more painful recovery than subglandular placement, but the benefit is that it looks more real. Submuscular placement may slightly decrease mammogram interference, and capsular contracture may be slightly less common.
Two Purposes of Under the Muscle Breast Implants
The chest muscle in the submuscular placement serves two purposes:
- It gives additional soft tissue coverage. If the implants are sandwiched between the muscle and the tissues, implants can be quite hard to look like natural breasts, especially for women who have little or no breast tissue. But if they are placed underneath the chest muscle, then the extra tissues covering the implants make folds and creases less visible.
- It can help shape the upper portion of the breasts. Natural breasts have a bit of a slope to the upper portion – not overly round. If the implant is placed under the muscle, it exerts some pressure on the implant, giving the upper breast a natural-looking slope.
So, if you are going for a more natural look, then the under-the-muscle breast implant placement may just be perfect for you.
