Over or under the muscle breast implant placements are the most common options when deciding on the most appropriate breast implant placement. In reality, it is more complex than that. There are four main breast implant placement options, and your surgeon will advise you of the most appropriate placement at your consultation for breast implant surgery.
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Subglandular implant placement (over the muscle)
Subglandular implant placements are also known as being over the muscle. This approach valve placement of the implants on top of the pectoral muscles. The pectoral muscles are not divided, and there is a quicker recovery time. The procedure is much easier to perform compared with under the muscle implant placement. The pectoral muscle is not stretched over the implant, and there is, therefore, reduced pain and discomfort after the procedure. Subglandular breast augmentation is ideally suited for women who have moderate amounts of breast tissue. The implant is less likely to be distorted by muscular contraction as the pectoral muscle lies beneath the implant. Subglandular breast augmentation is not suitable for women who have little or no breast tissue. Although saline implants are rarely used in the UK, they cannot be used for the subglandular approach. If the procedure is carried out on women with minimal breast tissue, a fake-looking or unnatural breast appearance may result. Older generation implants placed in the subglandular position we are previously thought to result in a higher risk of visible implant rippling. The latest fourth-generation breast implants can easily be placed in the subglandular position without an increased risk of implant rippling.
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Dual plane implant placement (under the muscle)
Dual plane breast augmentation is usually classified as being under the muscle; however, only the upper portion of the implant is located beneath the pectoral muscle. The lower part of the breast implant lies in contact with the breast tissue. The dual plane approach is also known as a partial submuscular or partial retropectoral technique. The dual plane approach can help to optimise breast symmetry and get rid of uneven breasts. A modest breast lift can often be achieved with a dual plane technique. There is thought to be less risk of implant sagging, and x-ray mammograms are easier to interpret as the implant lies beneath the pectoral muscle. There is thought to be a reduced risk of implant rippling and capsular contracture with the dude plane approach. Compared with subglandular breast augmentation, dual plain breast augmentation takes longer to perform as the surgeon needs to dissect beneath the pectoral muscle. Manipulation of the pectoral muscle may increase pain and discomfort in the recovery period. Women with highly developed pectoral muscles may have a higher risk of implant distortion when the chest muscles contract. This may occur when lifting weights at the gym. There may be a temporary reduction in the strength of the chest wall muscles in the postoperative period as the pectoral muscle has to stretch over the breast implants.
Submuscular implant placement
The submuscular approach, also known as under the muscle, involves the placement of breast implants beneath the pectoral muscles entirely. This technique is most commonly used for breast reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer and is not commonly used for cosmetic breast implant surgery. The dual plane technique is the most commonly used method for under the muscle implant placement. The main advantage of submuscular breast implants is a decreased risk of implant rippling. There is an increased risk of chest tightness with this approach, and implants are more likely to sit high up on the chest. Muscular contraction of the pectoral muscle can easily distort the size and position of the implants. Many patients report significant pain and discomfort after having this technique and the recovery time is much longer compared with other breast implant placements. Submuscular breast augmentation takes much longer to perform compared with other types of surgery, and there is a higher risk of bleeding during and after the procedure.
Subfascial implant placement
Subfascial breast augmentation involves placement of the breast implant beneath the pectoral muscle fascia but on top of the pectoral muscle itself. Our surgeons are experts in subfascial implant placement, and it often combines the benefits of subglandular and dual plane breast implant placements in one procedure.
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The subfascial technique involves a reduced risk of implant rippling and capsular contracture and can produce natural-looking results. The recovery time after subfascial breast augmentation is much quicker, and patients report significantly reduced pain and discomfort after this technique. The procedure takes slightly longer as the surgeon will need to gently dissect the pectoral fascia away from the underlying muscle. This needs to be carried out in a particular fashion to minimise the risk of bleeding and potential trauma. Although long-term studies are not yet available, our surgeons report excellent outcomes with subfascial breast augmentation, although it is not suitable for everyone, and you will be assessed for suitability at your consultation.
What is the most commonly used breast implant placement?
In the UK, the dual plane approach remains the most commonly used breast implant placement. There are a few variations of the jewel playing technique which your surgeon may recommend, and this will depend on the amount of chest wall muscle that needs to cover the implant. Subglandular breast augmentation has increased in popularity over the last few years with the latest fourth-generation implants. Although not commonly used in the past, it is an excellent technique for women with moderate amounts of breast tissue and can produce natural-looking results. Our surgeons increasingly use the subfascial breast augmentation technique, which brings together the benefits of both dual plane and subglandular breast augmentation for more natural-looking results and a quicker recovery period.
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Which breast implant placement is best for me?
Choosing the best implant placement depends on several factors. Your surgeon will provide customised recommendations on optimum breast implant placements after carrying out a detailed physical examination to determine the dimensions of your breasts and the amount of breast tissue you have. The size of breast implants you would like to have, as well as your overall lifestyle, will also impact the decision for the most appropriate breast implant placement. Here at Centre for Surgery, our surgeons have many years of experience in performing breast implant surgery and will be able to advise you on the best implant placement method for optimum results.
Why choose Centre for Surgery for breast implant surgery?
- We carry out hundreds of breast implant procedures at our state-of-the-art clinic in central London.
- Our consultant plastic surgeons have specialised expertise in breast implant surgery.
- Our philosophy is to focus on producing natural-looking results with minimal downtime and a quick recovery.
- We use the highest quality breast implants from Mentor and Sebbin.
- All breast implants have a 10-year implant warranty with £1000 towards corrective surgery in the event of capsular contracture or implant rupture.
- We have a dedicated post-operative nursing team committed to providing high standards of medical care.
- Centre for Surgery offers a lifetime guarantee on your implants.
- We have hundreds of five-star reviews, with many patients recommending their friends and family to us.
- Our surgeons will discuss the full range of breast implant options and not just one particular type of implant, so you’ll be able to make an informed decision that is right for you.
- Breast Augmentation Before And After Photos
