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Breast Implant Placement: Above or Below the Muscle
Breast implant surgery – also known as breast augmentation, or mammoplasty – is a plastic surgery procedure designed to increase the size, and enhance the shape, symmetry, and position of the breasts. When you make the decision to enhance your breasts with implant surgery, there are many decisions that need to be made. Choosing the right breast implant size and shape immediately come to most peoples’ minds.
However, ‘placement’ of the implants is another crucial decision for women considering breast implant surgery.
The two primary placement options are subglandular and submuscular, each offering unique benefits and considerations. In this article, board certified Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali explains the differences between these techniques, who is a good candidate for each, and how pre-surgery Vectra 3D computer imaging can help ensure the results you are expecting after your breast implant surgery.
Subglandular Breast Implant Placement
Subglandular breast implant placement involves positioning the breast implant beneath the breast tissue but above the chest muscle (pectoralis major). This technique offers several advantages.
Some of the advantages of subglandular (above the chest muscle) breast implant placement, include:
Faster Recovery from Breast Implant Surgery
Subglandular placement typically results in a faster and less painful recovery compared to submuscular placement.
Natural-Looking Breast Implant Surgery Results
Some patients may achieve a more natural breast contour with subglandular placement, especially if they have adequate breast tissue to camouflage the implant.
Reduced Risk of Animation Deformity
Subglandular placement may reduce the risk of animation deformity, a condition where the breast implant moves unnaturally when the chest muscle contracts.
Good candidates for subglandular (above the chest muscle) breast implant placement include individuals with sufficient breast tissue to cover the implant, minimal sagging, and no history of breast ptosis (drooping). Patients seeking a quicker recovery after breast implant surgery may also benefit from this technique.
Submuscular Breast Implant Placement
Submuscular placement involves positioning the breast implant beneath both the breast tissue and the chest muscle (pectoralis major).
Submuscular (beneath the chest muscle) breast implant placement technique offers several advantages, including:
Increased Coverage of Breast Implants
Submuscular breast implant placement provides additional coverage for the implant, reducing the risk of visible rippling or palpability, particularly in patients with thin breast tissue.
Lower Capsular Contracture Risk
Placing the implant beneath the muscle may lower the risk of capsular contracture, a potential complication where scar tissue tightens around the implant.
Improved Long-Term Aesthetic Results
Some patients may achieve more natural-looking and long-lasting results with submuscular breast implant placement, especially if they have limited breast tissue to cover the implant. So, the muscle, in effect, provides the coverage and stability for the new implants.
Good candidates for submuscular breast implant placement include individuals with thin breast tissue, women with mild to moderate breast ptosis (drooping), or patients who desire increased implant coverage and lower risk of capsular contracture. Patients with a history of animation deformity or those seeking more long-term aesthetic results may also benefit from submuscular breast implant placement.
Top Breast Implant Surgery | Detroit Area
Choosing the right breast implant placement is a critical step in achieving the best results when undergoing breast implant surgery. Dr. Ali is a highly skilled and experienced Detroit area breast implant surgeon who has helped thousands of women get the beautiful breasts they have always wanted with breast implant surgery.
He will help you determine whether subglandular or submuscular breast implant placement is the best option for you – to ensure optimal results, patient satisfaction, and safety. By understanding the differences between these placement options Dr. Ali and his patients can make informed decisions and achieve beautiful, natural-looking breast implant results that enhances their confidence and changes their life.
Breast Implant Consultation | Detroit Area: 248.335.7200
