Breast Implant Placement Methods

One of the final decisions you will make about your breast augmentation in Detroit is where the breast implants  will be placed relative to your pectoral (chest) muscle – above the muscle, or under the muscle? The right option for you will depend on your anatomy, the thickness of your breast skin, how active your lifestyle is, and aesthetic preference. Experienced Michigan breast implant surgeon, Dr. Rifai, is dedicated to helping you make the best choice possible for your unique needs.

Breast Implant Submuscular Placement: Below the Muscle

Sub-muscular breast implant placement involves inserting the breast implants below your pectoral muscle. This will result in a longer recovery time, since your chest muscles are impacted by the surgery. Despite the increased recovery period, many women prefer sub-muscular placement because of the significant benefits it offers, such as:

• Good coverage of breast implant contours, even if you have thin breast tissue
• More natural look and feel
• Less risk of capsular contracture
• Less likely to interfere with a mammogram

Breast Implant Subglandular Placement: Above the Muscle

Subglandular breast implant placement involves placing your implants under the mammary gland, but above the pectoral muscle. The main benefit of this method is that it limits interference with your chest muscles, which can be important for patients who have an active, athletic lifestyle. When you work out, your chest muscles repeatedly contract; if the implants were placed below the muscle (submuscular placement), exercise could increase the risk of implant displacement or distortion.

Another advantage of subglandular placement is the fact that it comes with a shorter recovery time. However, there are certain drawbacks to this method as well, such as:

• Higher chance of aesthetic problems such as rippling or wrinkling
• More likely to interfere with a mammogram
• Rounder, less natural look if you have large implants

If you have thin breast skin, subglandular placement may cause the edges of your implants to show through the skin. This placement method also tends to eliminate the naturally sloped shape of your breasts. However, some women prefer the rounder, higher look to their breasts, since it provides increased cleavage.

If you have further questions about breast implant placement methods, please contact Birmingham Cosmetic Surgery &  in Detroit today or call (248) 723-9370 to schedule your complimentary consultation. We serve patients throughout Detroit, Southfield, Port Huron, and Jackson, Michigan.