Breast Augmentation 101: Breast Implant Placement

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!