The Placement of Breast Implants Relative to the Muscle

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Breast augmentation is a highly effective procedure that helps women feel confident and look their best. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of cosmetic procedures performed in 2018 was a quarter million more as compared to the previous year. Breast augmentation is among the top five procedures that were performed in 2018, and continues to rise in popularity.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation surgery involves placing breast implants within the breasts to enhance the volume, shape, and overall contour. There are various options when it comes to the type of implants and placement options.

To understand the different implant placement techniques, it is important to know how the breast is structured. Breasts are milk-producing, tear shaped glands that are situated right above the ribs. The pectoralis muscles or the chest muscles above the ribs hold the breasts in place. Above the muscles are a set of milk-producing mammary glands and fatty tissue.

Placement of Breast Implants

During breast augmentation procedure, there are two ways the implant may be placed relative to the muscle – under or over the chest muscle.  Many factors are considered by your surgeon before determining the optimal implant placement. These include your health history, the type of implant and its size, and your body type.

Over The Muscle (Subglandular) Placement

Over-the-muscle placement involves positioning the implant above the chest muscle and below the milk-producing mammary glands. Because the implant is between the glands and the chest muscle, it is possible for a woman to continue breastfeeding.

The advantages of subglandular implant placement include:

  • The surgical procedure is less invasive and easier as compared to other methods.
  • As the chest muscle is not disturbed, recovery time is faster and the patient experiences less post-operative pain or discomfort.
  • It is possible to craft more cleavage with this technique as implants are placed closer together.
  • This technique allows placement of larger implants if the breasts’ soft tissue characteristics are suitable.
  • When the chest muscles are flexed, the implants are not disturbed or distorted.

Under the Muscle (Submuscular) Placement

In this technique the breast implants are placed beneath the pectoralis chest muscle. The implant is firmly placed behind the connective tissue, mammary glands, and other muscle groups. The implant is either partially or totally placed under the muscle as per the patient’s needs.

The benefits of submuscular implant placement include:

  • Aesthetically pleasing and more natural results are obtained in this technique since the implants are covered by the chest muscles.
  • There are less chances of warping or rippling of implants.
  • Reduced risk of capsular contracture, which is a complication where scar tissue develops around the implant, resulting in pain and inflammation.
  • Under-the-muscle placement of implants makes it possible to have mammograms.
  • Safer choice for women who wish to have a breast lift procedure along with an implant as this technique preserves blood circulation to the nipples.

Contact Our Office

Consulting our experienced and highly qualified cosmetic surgeons at Dallas Plastic Surgery Center is the best way to understand which placement option meets your individual goals and health condition. Contact Our office to schedule your consultation today!

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