Breast Augmentation: Q&A

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Why Do Some People Opt for DUAL Plane Placement? Which is Best for Me? (Photo)

My BA is scheduled for 21 Dec, 2012. I'm still having a hard time decided whether to go Subglandular, Dual Plane, or Submuscular. My current stats are 5'6" and 150 pounds (muscular, I plan on competing in Fitness/Figure competitions next year). I have one child & breastfed for 3 months. I have grade 1-2 ptosis (I think) and would prefer to not have a breast lift, yet. I am a B cup and desire a D cup. My question is which method would be my best option, Subglandular, Dual, or Submuscular, & why?

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by whitney0nicole in Arkansas

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Dual Plane Breast Augmentation

Question is do you really know what dual plane means and does your surgeon really know what it means. Dual plane is when a plane of dissection is performed under the muscle as well as on top of the muscle, thus dual plane. Most people think dual plane means basically under the pectoral muscle with the implant sitting in a plane under the muscle in the upper portion and under the breast in the lower portion . This is not what dual plane means. Anyhow, under the muscle is better than over the... more

Dual plane most common.

Implants for breast augmentation are rarely placed completely submuscular. Most often the attachments of the pectoralis mucle to the ribs must be released to allow the implant to settle to the level of the inframammary fold. This means that the implant is partially behind the pectoral muscle (sub-pectoral) and partially behind the breast tissue- behind 2 layers, or "dual plane." There are several advantages to this type of placement. Usually the result looks more natural... more

What plane for breast implant placement?

First of all, there is no scientific evidence that the rate of capsular contracture is greater or less depending on its plane of placement. Second, sub-muscular, sub-pectoral and dual plane are synonymous in breast augmentation. Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who does both so you get the procedure most appropriate for you. Sub pectoral dual plane implants give a convex or full upper pole, while sub-mammary implants give a fuller lower pole. It is the difference between a... more

Modest ptosis best treated by a silicone gel implant on top of the muscle.

The photo shows modest ptosis of the breasts where the areola is situated a bit lower than preferred. Even a modest augmentation will make the breasts look as though they have had a "lift" but without the usual scars.

Dual plane breast augmentation for most

Submuscular breast augmentation is always 'dual plane' as the chest muscle will only cover the upper half of the implant, and the lower portion is subglandular. The issue is simply anatomy. Why submuscular rather than subglandular? The submuscular placement is used to reduce the 'show through' of the implant, and reduce capsular contracture. If bodybuilding is in your future however, muscular distortion might make you unhappy and indicate a smaller subglandular gel as the best option. more

Sub muscular (Dual plane) or Subglandular Positioning of Breast Implants for Athlete?

Dual plane breast augmentation refers to breast implant positioning in the sub muscular ( pectoralis major) positioned superiorly and the sub glandular position inferiorly. This is the breast implant position used by the majority of plastic surgeons today and what I would suggest in your case. I think it is in your best interests (and that of most patients seeking breast augmentation surgery) to have implants placed in the “dual plane” sub muscular position. This... more

Which approach for breast augmentation?

Thanks for the photos, which do demonstrate some ptosis. You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and then choose together the best approach for your situation. There are pros and cons of each operation you mentioned and you should carefully consider all these before proceeding. Best wishes.

Aldo Guerra, MD

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Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

Implant position and the muscle

The nomenclature is never as clear as it should be. Subglandular implants are, as described, under the breast and above the muscle. Dual plane, by most definitions covers what almost all surgeons do when they place submuscular implants. The implants are typically under the pectoralis muscle only, and this covers the top 50-60% of the implant. The lower part of the implant is in the same position as a subglandular implant, hence the term dual plane. Some use the term dual... more

Fitness and Breast Implants

In most patients the submuscular approach produces the most camouflage for the implant. Dual plane (dissecting above and below the muscle) does not alter the position of the implant under the muscle and does little to alter anything else.