Under-the-Muscle vs. Over-the-Muscle Breast Implant Placement

When it comes to helping patients’ curves look their very best, one of the ideal options involves the use of breast implants. Breast augmentation continues to be one of the best known and most popular aesthetic surgeries, and it can have major benefits for you and your needs.

When you meet with a plastic surgeon for a consultation, you will be able to learn much more about breast augmentation and how it can benefit you. Right now, we want to consider some of the basics of breast augmentation, with a special focus on the placement of the breast implants themselves.

About Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery, in the most basic terms, involves the placement of breast implants into the breasts in order to enhance the size, shape, and overall contour of the breasts. There are many different implant options that can meet a patient’s needs, and there are different surgical methods to consider as well.

Placing and Positioning the Breast Implants

One of the surgical methods alluded to involves the placement of the breast implants relative to the pectoral muscle (the chest muscle) and the mammary gland (the tissue that predominantly comprises the breast).

There are two options to consider: subglandular placement and submuscular placement. Let’s consider both right now.

(Note that one option is not necessarily better than the other as the needs of each patient varies.)

Subglandular Breast Implant Placement

Subglandular breast implant placement refers to the breast implant being placed above the pectoral muscle but beneath the breast tissue itself. This is also referred to as “over-the-muscle” placement.

Benefits of Subglandular Breast Implant Placement

Breast implants that are placed subglandularly can be introduced into the breasts using all types of incision methods. Implants placed in this fashion are generally easier for surgeons to place and they are more ideal for developing fuller cleavage.

In addition to the above, patients who are athletic or active will experience less issues with their chest muscles as they train if they have their breast implants placed subglandularly. Patients also notice a faster and less uncomfortable recovery time than with submuscular implant placement since none of the muscle tissue is disturbed.

Submuscular Breast Implant Placement

Also known as “under-the-muscle” placement, submuscular breast implantation refers to placing the breast implants beneath the pectoral muscle as well as the mammary gland. The implant can be partially or totally covered by the muscle depending on the patient’s needs.

Benefits of Submuscular Breast Implant Placement

In general, submuscular breast implants placement yields better, more natural, and more aesthetically pleasing results. Since the implant is concealed by chest muscle, rippling and warping is not so visible.

Patients who have their breast implants placed submuscularly are less likely to experience capsular contracture, a painful complication in which scar tissue hardens around the breast implant. In addition, submuscular breast implant placement is less likely to affect mammograms.

Learn More About Breast Augmentation Surgery

If you would like more information on breast augmentation and how it can be of great benefit to you and your needs, be sure to contact our Manhattan and Long Island plastic surgery centers today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best in terms of overall aesthetics and wellness.

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