Under or Over the Muscle? Here's What You Need to Know About Breast Implant Placement
It is all about breast implant placement with regard to implantation. Under or over the muscle can make all the difference in results, comfort, and to some extent the longevity of results. Renowned plastic surgeon Joel Studin states that this is very much part of having a natural, beautiful outcome.
It is essential to understand the pectoralis muscle and what it does. These muscles, which are shaped like fans, provide interior structure and coverage from the collarbone to upper arm. Depending on the implant placement, whether above or beneath the muscle tissue, the effects on aesthetics can go beyond that, as well as how your breasts will age over time, what they will look like on mammograms, etc.
Over the Muscle: Quick Procedure, Long-Term Challenges
Implants placed over muscle usually are a faster, simpler surgery for the surgeon because there is no manipulation of the pectoralis muscle. Because of this, such surgery may cause less immediate muscle disruption, and patients may also enjoy a shorter initial recovery.
This is an important convenience, but it carries with it some drawbacks. Breasts may appear to sag as this tissue weakens, and the implant edges may be more visible because there's no muscle to cover and hold it up. Moreover, with this type of implant placement, there is no muscular support, which means that the burden of maintaining shape and position rests solely on skin and tissue in the long run-an even more important consideration when aging sets in.
Under the Muscle: Natural Look, Long-Term Benefits
Putting breast implants under the muscle is typically going to give more natural and aesthetically pleasing results. The muscle basically provides an extra layer over the implant, and it smoothes out the edges and makes the implant blend more with the natural breast tissue. This technique is especially very good for women with thinner tissue or women wanting that small transition between the chest and breasts.
In addition to cosmetic purposes, under-the-muscle implantation also has better long-term outcomes because the muscle is like an internal bra that supports the implant's position and minimizes the chances of sagging. Furthermore, since the implant is placed under the soft tissues of the breast, the visibility of mammograms becomes more defined—it is of high significance in terms of long-term follow-ups for health.
Exceptions: When Over the Muscle May Be a Better Choice
A submuscular placement may still not be good for all patients. In particular, when the breast is drooping just slightly, but not enough for a lift, a submuscular placement can cause an unnatural double-contour, which is the double bubble effect. The implant will be high up while the breast tissue will sag over it.
In such instances, an over-the-muscle placement would give a more natural appearance by allowing the implant to blend better with the existing breast tissue, thus allowing for a more smooth and cohesive silhouette. These rare cases should always be assessed by an experienced surgeon who can distinguish the solution that is right for that specific case.
Making the Right Decision for You
The specific implant placement that will best suit you will ultimately depend on your body and goals. Under Muscle placement has many advantages with respect to natural appearance, support, and mammogram clarity, while some anatomical features may suggest over-the-muscle placement for a more symmetrical result.
This is why expert opinion is needed. An experienced and well-qualified cosmetic surgeon such as Dr. Joel Studin will assess your anatomy, will listen to your aesthetic desires, and will recommend the technique that allows for your long-term satisfaction. If you are considering breast augmentation and wish to have a professional opinion about which approach would be the best fit for your body, we encourage you to reach out to Dr. Joel Studin—your perfect results begin with the correct professional at your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between under-the-muscle and over-the-muscle breast implant placement?
Under-the-muscle placement involves positioning the implant beneath the pectoralis muscle, which offers better long-term support, a more natural look, and improved mammogram visibility. Over-the-muscle placement, on the other hand, is a quicker procedure with a simpler recovery but can result in visible implant edges, sagging, and lack of long-term support from muscle tissue. The decision largely depends on your body type and aesthetic goals.
What are the benefits of under-the-muscle breast implants?
Under-the-muscle implants provide a more natural aesthetic by utilizing the muscle as an additional layer, which helps blend the implant with natural breast tissue. This placement also offers better long-term support, preventing sagging and enhancing the implant's stability over time. Additionally, mammogram results are clearer with this approach, making it a better choice for health considerations.
When is over-the-muscle implant placement a better option?
Over-the-muscle placement can be ideal for patients with slightly sagging breasts, where under-the-muscle placement might cause an unnatural double-contour effect. In such cases, the implant placed over the muscle can provide a more natural and smooth silhouette, blending better with the existing breast tissue. For more insights on when over-the-muscle placement is preferred, we recommend watching this video for more details.