Over Muscle vs Under Muscle Implants: Which Is Better?

Pros And Cons Of Implant Placement

The placement of your silicone or saline breast implants is very important to achieving optimal aesthetic results from your augmentation surgery. 

Over Muscle Implant Placement
In over muscle placement, or subglandular placement, the implant is placed over your chest muscles but under your existing fat and breast tissue.

Pros Of Over Muscle Placement

• Recovery is Usually Faster: Over muscle surgery is less invasive meaning the recovery period is often somewhat shorter.
• Muscles Remain Intact: Because your surgeon does not need to cut the pectoral muscle, you will not experience post-surgical loss of function. And you will not have to worry about visible muscle bands when moving your arms or working out.
• Can Accommodate Larger Implants: Because your surgeon will not need to accommodate the implant under your muscle structure, you may be able to opt for a larger-sized implant in over muscle placement.
• Can Appear More Natural: If you are choosing breast augmentation even though you have a lot of existing natural breast fat and tissue, this option may provide the most natural results.

Cons Of Over Muscle Placement

• Requires Sufficient Breast Tissue: Most women who choose breast augmentation do so because they have an unsatisfactory amount of natural breast tissue due to weight loss, pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, or due to genetics. If you do not have sufficient breast tissue, especially in the upper breast area, over muscle placement will not be the best option.
• Implant Rippling: If implant rippling occurs, it is often more apparent in subglandular placement because there is less tissue covering the implant. It can also be easier to see the edges of your implant.
• Interfere More With Mammogram Readings: Placement above the muscle can reduce your technician’s ability to see all of your breast tissue during a mammogram.

Under Muscle Placement
In under muscle placement, or submuscular placement, your implant is placed under your fat, breast tissue, and partially under your pectoralis major.

Pros Of Under Muscle Placement

• Provides More Coverage: Placement under the muscle provides more coverage for the implant.
• Creates A Smoother Transition: The thickness of the pectoralis muscles in addition to existing fat and breast tissue helps to create a smoother transition and reduce implant visibility.
• Interferes Less With Mammography Readings: Because of the placement under the muscle, all breast tissue is visible during a mammography.
• Lower Risk Of Capsular Contracture: Capsular contracture occurs when the capsule of scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant tightens or hardens over time.

Cons Of Under Muscle Placement

• Higher Chance Of Implant Migration: Muscle contractions can increase the risk of implant migration (shifting) up or outward over time.
• Risk Of Muscle Function Loss: Because your plastic surgeon will need to cut and detach your pectoralis muscle, there is a risk that your muscle function and strength may be compromised.
• Longer Recovery: Submuscular placement surgery is more invasive and will result in a longer recovery period.

Transformative Breast Augmentation In Edmonton, Alberta

When choosing breast augmentation to achieve larger, fuller, lifted breasts, it is important to discuss the placement of your implants with your plastic surgeon. There are benefits and considerations to both techniques and understanding the difference will help you make the most informed decision about your choice for breast enhancement.

If you are considering breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift surgery, the team at Alberta Plastic Surgery can guide you in exploring your options for breast surgery. Book your complimentary consultation today.

Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified and top surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta, and is highly skilled in cosmetic plastic surgery and other non-surgical rejuvenating cosmetic procedures. Dr. Ladak is a fully qualified Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons and his team is committed to providing patients with the facts and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at 1-780-407-6691 or fill out the form below.

FAQ

Q: What type of implants should I choose?
A: There are several different implant types for you to choose from. Your surgeon will be able to help you determine the right choice for you. Book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Ladak to discuss your options for implants and what outcomes you hope to achieve from surgery.

Q: When will I be able to see the final results after my breast augmentation?
A: How soon you will be able to see the optimal results after your breast augmentation surgery will depend on the type of implants, where your implants were placed (under or over your chest muscles), your body type, and your personal healing journey. It will usually be a couple of months before you will see the final results.

Q: Is silicone better for over or under muscle placement? How about saline?
A: Silicone implants are often preferred for subglandular or over the muscle placement due to their more natural look and feel. Saline is often preferred for submuscular or under the muscle placement because they are firmer than silicone and the muscle wall reduces implant visibility.