Choosing the Right Breast Implant Placement for Lasting Results
When considering breast augmentation, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is the positioning of the implants—whether they go under or over the muscle. This choice significantly influences not only the final appearance but also the comfort level and durability of the outcome. As emphasized by Dr. Joel Studin, a well-known plastic surgeon, this decision is crucial to achieving a natural and attractive result that aligns with each individual’s body structure and long-term aesthetic goals.
Understanding the anatomy involved helps clarify why this decision matters so much. The pectoralis muscles, which extend from the upper arms to the collarbone, serve as a foundational structure beneath the breast tissue. These fan-shaped muscles play a key role in implant placement, influencing how the breasts will look over time, how they will respond to gravity and aging, and even how clearly they will appear in imaging tests like mammograms.
One option is placing implants above the pectoralis muscle. This approach is often favored for its simplicity and speed. Because the muscle is left untouched, the surgery itself tends to be quicker, with less trauma to the muscle tissue. Recovery times may be shorter, and early discomfort can be minimized, which appeals to many patients. However, these initial advantages come with trade-offs. Without muscular support, the implant relies solely on the skin and soft tissue to hold its shape. Over time, as skin naturally stretches and loses firmness, this may lead to increased sagging or a more artificial appearance, especially if implant edges become more noticeable under thinner skin.
Choosing implant placement above the muscle might seem convenient at first, but it may not always deliver the most stable or long-lasting results. The decision must be carefully considered based on body type, skin quality, and long-term expectations. Plastic surgeons like Dr. Joel Studin stress that thoughtful planning and understanding of the muscle structure are essential to achieving an outcome that not only looks good initially but also stands the test of time.