Breast Implants Over the Muscle

Placement of breast implants over the muscle is one option during a breast augmentation surgery. The common name for this procedure is subglandular placement and is accomplished by positioning the implant under the breast glands, but on top of the chest muscles. This positioning has a number of advantages, as well as numerous disadvantages when compared against submuscular placement.

breast implants over the muscle

Positioning Breast Implants Over the Muscle

Implants can be placed subglandular through any of the accepted entry incisions, including inframammary, transumbilical, periareolar and transaxillary. Subglandular implants can be filled with saline or silicone and are most commonly round in shape. Once in place, subglandular implants react to motion very naturally, since there is no muscular support limiting breast movement. There are also no strange sensations or restricted motion from the implant interacting with the pectoral muscles during athletic activities. This makes subglandular placement a favorite among female athletes and dancers.

Breast Implants on Top of the Muscle

The surgical procedures used to place subglandular implants are easier and faster than with submuscular positioning. The post-operative pain is less severe and recovery time quicker when placing the implants on top of the muscle. There are less potential surgical complications when the chest muscles are left undisturbed.

Drawbacks of Subglandular Breast Implants

Subglandular placement will definitely interfere with standard mammography testing. Additional films will have to be taken to image the entire breast from every angle. The implant and scar tissue might hide developing problems within the breast, such as the early stages of cancer. Subglandular implants are often easier to see or feel, since there is less natural tissue covering them compared to submuscular placement. This is especially true for particularly small breasted women. Finally, there is a higher incidence of capsular contracture using subglandular implantation techniques. The risk might be reduced if the patient uses one or more preventative measures against contracture development. Wrinkling of the implant shell is often more noticeable with implants placed on top of the muscle. This is even more evident when patients choose saline filled implants.

Breast Implants Over the Muscle Recommendation

Choosing the best anatomical location for your breast implants is a highly individual and person choice. Your body type, expectations and lifestyle will certainly help guide you when making this crucial decision. Ask your doctor for their advice, but remember the final choice will be yours to make. Learn all the advantages and disadvantages of every type of implant placement before making your final decision. An educated choice will usually significantly increase the chances for a satisfying and aesthetically pleasing surgical result.

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Breast Implants over the Muscle to Breast Reduction & Breast Lift
11/29/07 Revised 3/2/08