Breast Augmentation 101: Breast Implant Placement

Posted on November 12th, 2014 by Dr. William Franckle

When it comes to breast implant placement, there are two main options – over or under the chest muscle. Placement will vary from one patient to the next, and each surgeon has his or her own preferences. Here are some important facts about the two alternatives.

Over the Muscle (Sub-glandular)

Sub-glandular procedures involve placement of the implant below the mammary gland, but over the pectoral muscles. This type of breast implant placement may be chosen over options for several reasons, including:

  • Less complications, pain, or recovery time because muscle is not being cut into

  • Possible sag reduction without a breast lift procedure

  • Less changes in shape when chest muscles are flexed

However, there are disadvantages as well, including:

  • More rippling for women with small amounts of breast tissue
  • A less natural look on some women since breasts have more roundness than natural slope

Under the Muscle (Sub-muscular)

There are two types of sub-muscular breast implant placement: partial or complete. In partial sub-muscular placement, the upper half of the implant is covered by muscle but the lower half isn’t. In complete sub-muscular placement, the upper half is covered by muscle while the fascia tissue covers the lower half. This offers many advantages, which include:

  • Lower risk of rippling

  • Better mammogram readings

  • Lower risk of capsular contracture

However, there are also disadvantages, which include:

  • More discomfort during recovery for the patient

  • Implants may appear unnatural when the chest muscles are flexed

  • Breasts may sit higher until the muscles relax

The right placement varies from woman to woman, especially dependent on your current breasts. Only you and Dr. Franckle will be able to determine the best placement for your breast implants.

Stay tuned for Part 4 of our four-part Breast Augmentation blog series, coming soon!

Dr Franckle

Meet Dr. William Franckle Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

We know that you have many options when choosing a plastic surgeon. Dr. Franckle and his staff are dedicated to providing you with a caring and professional surgical experience. Time and time again our patients credit Dr. Franckle’s expertise and the kindness of our staff as the reason for choosing our practice. Dr. Franckle is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify surgeons in the practice of plastic surgery. Attention to detail, meticulous skill, and an artistic eye make Dr. Franckle an expert in such procedures as rhinoplasty (nose job), breast augmentation (breast implants), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), facelift, and non-surgical treatments (Botox and injectable fillers).

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William Franckle, MD, FACS offers advanced plastic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic treatments in New Jersey. All consultations and MedSpa services, including injectables, are held privately at our Voorhees clinic. Surgical procedures are performed at the Virtua Center for Surgery in Sewell under the care of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Franckle.

Contact our team today to learn more about our services and find the right one for you.

William Franckle, MD., FACS

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