Breast Implant Placement Advantages & Disadvantages
Breast Implant Placement Techniques: Advantages and Disadvantages
This section provides an overview of some of the primary advantages and disadvantages of the various
breast implant placement techniques. This information evolves over time, albeit at a slow pace. We do update this section as new information becomes available, so please refer back to it as time passes!
Capsular Contracture of Breast Implants
Many surgeons believe, based upon clinical studies regarding placement of
breast implantsand contracture rates, that placing the implant either
partially submuscular or
completely submuscular reduces the rate of
capsular contracture when compared to
over the muscle placement (also known as
subglandular placement). Keep in mind that there is not total agreement as to whether this is truly the case. One alternative that has been suggested to prevent capsular contracture is the
textured breast implant. Whether this is true is also the subject of some debate. Furthermore, many believe that textured implants are more likely to create visible rippling. Surgeons who disagree with this view of textured implants claim that rippling is a result of improper filling of
saline breast implants and not at all with the
surface of the breast implants. You can read more about
textured breast implants and
smooth breast implants in our section
All About Breast Implants.
Rippling of Breast Implants
If you have little breast tissue,
partial submuscular breast implant placement or
fully submuscular breast implant placement is likely to reduce the chances of visible rippling of the
breast implant. This is because the implant is partially or fully covered by muscle, in addition to breast tissue. The extra padding created by using the muscle to partially or completely cover the implant hides potential rippling beneath a thicker layer of tissue.
Mammography & Breast Implants
Mammography technology and doctors' ability to interpret the images has been and continues to continuously improve. Even so, most
plastic surgeons believe that
partial submuscular or
fully submuscular placement makes mammography images clearer and therefore easier to read and interpret.
Sagging
Many
plastic surgeons contend that
over the muscle breast implant placement is more likely to lead to sagging as you age. In a
complete submuscular placement or a
partial submuscular placement, the
breast implant may be better supported resulting in less sagging of the augmented breast over the long term.
Appearance
Nothing written here is a substitute for talking about these issues in detail with your
plastic surgeon, but here are some guidelines so you'll be prepared when you do!
- If you have adequate breast tissue to cover the size breast implant you want, above the muscle placement can give you a very natural look. (See our section on choosing breast implant size!)
- If you have little natural breast tissue or desire an implant larger than your natural breast tissue can cover, you may achieve a more natural looking result with either a complete submuscular or partial submuscular placement.
- Women who lift a lot of weight (think female body builders) may see distortion with any placement below the muscle because of the strength and flexion of the muscle.
- In most women with average to little breast tissue, under the muscle placement (either partial or complete) can help to avoid the “fake” look of implants.
- If you have a lot of sag or droop, you may require a breast lift (mastopexy) if you elect for either partial submuscular or fully submuscular placement. If you do not get a breast lift at the time of your breast augmentation, the breast implant will align with your chest wall instead of your breast tissue.
- If you have sag and you do not want a lift, you may be better off having your implants placed over the muscle.
Summary
Due to the factors listed above, most
plastic surgeons prefer under the muscle placement, whether
fully submuscular or
partially submuscular. However, your physical characteristics, the look you want to achieve and your lifestyle all impact which placement might be right for you. That's why you need to discuss it with your surgeon, but know the issues when you do!
Breast Augmentation Guide - Breast Implant Placement