Implant Placement Options-- Which Do Surgeons Prefer?

According to a survey published in the March/April Aesthetic Surgery Journal, most plastic surgeons prefer to place breast implants under the muscle rather than over, with 62% choosing that option.

Breast implants can be placed either over the muscle of the chest wall, partially underneath, or completely underneath, depending upon numerous factors such as the desired aesthetic result, the surgeon's skill, post-operative discomfort, and recovery time.

Over the Muscle:

Breast implants placed over the muscle(subglandular)offer a rounder look than under the muscle options. It is the easiest technique to perform and offers less post-operative pain and a shorter recovery than other options as well. It also accommodates larger implants and makes creating cleavage easier. On the other hand, this option carries the highest risk of capsular contracure than other placement options. There is a higher degree of noticeable rippling and implant edges too. And many women find the rounder look created to be unnatural, preferring the sloped look attained by implants placed beneath the muscle.

Partially Under the Muscle:

Partial unders, on the other hand, conceal ripples and implant edges better in the top portion of the breast. They also create the sloped breast look many women consider more natural-looking. This option reduces the risk of capsular contracture as well, due to limited contact with the implant to the breast tissue and milk ducts. Like with the over the muscle placement, the implant is supported by skin only, so the risk of "bottoming out" is higher with this option than with complete submuscular placement. And due to the fact that this technique is more invasive than the over the muscle option, and because the muscle will need to stretch to accommodate the implants, patients will experience more post-operative pain and a longer recovery with this method.

Completely Under the Muscle:

Implants placed completely under the muscle conceal such aesthetic issues as rippling and implant edges better than the other two options. The risk of capsular contracture is lowest with this option as well. And because implants have greater support with this technique than the other two options, "bottoming out" is less of an issue as well. This option also makes mammograms results easier to read than the the over the muscle option. Creating cleavage, on the other hand, especially in women whose breasts are wide apart is difficult with this placement option. There is also more post-operative pain and a longer recovery period with this option.

As with all aspects of breast augmentation, surgeons tend to have their preferred placement option. Be sure to discuss various placement options with him or her before surgery to make sure you get the result you want. Placement options can affect the incision placement used as well as the shape and cleavage result.

For those considering breast enlargement, Temecula breast augmentation specialists at Renuance Cosmetic Surgery Center offer great information on their website. Or, consult plasticsurgery.org to locate a board certified surgeon in your area.