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Breast Implants Cost ≈ $6,600 average cost

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Options for Breast Implant Placement?

I know there are lots of different ways breast implants can be...implanted...by the surgeon, but how do you decide what's the best way to place the breast implants?

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Breast implants can be placed in several different...

Breast implants can be placed in several different locations ranging from submuscular, partially subpectoral, subfascial or subglandular. Total submuscular placement implies complete muscle coverage. This is not feasible with cosmetic breast augmentation since the pectoralis (chest) muscle inserts on the ribs above the bottom fold of the breast. Thus, in order to get the breast implant low enough on the breast to reach the inframammary fold, the muscle attachments to the low ribs must be... more

Kent V. Hasen, MD

Naples Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Breast Implant Placement Important Considerations

While the issue of ‘over’ or ‘under’ the pectoralis major muscle receives a great deal of attention, even more important than implant position relative to this muscle is implant position vertically and horizontally on the chest wall. In many patients, the inframammary fold needs to be lowered in order to allow the implant to rest at a level that appears natural relative to the position of the nipple and areola, and in order to prevent the appearance of excessive upper... more

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Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

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Breast Implant Position

Once the type of breast implant and the incision are determined, your plastic surgeon will discuss the optimal placement of the implants to create the best breast form. Classically these options have been either completely behind the muscle, called the submuscular breast implant position, or in front of the muscle, behind only the breast tissue. This latter placement is called the subglandular breast implant position. A third option, and the one that I often use in my plastic surgery... more

Adam David Lowenstein, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Options for Breast Implant Placement

There are three excellent options for implant placement, depending on the individual patient anatomy, and there is a fourth option that I don't consider useful. Option #1 is the subpectoral placement where the implant is placed deep into the pectoralis major muscle. This is the ideal placement when a woman is flat chested and needs more volume and more projection in her breasts. Option #2 is the subglandular placement, and here the implant is placed above the muscle and under the... more

George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

There are 3 traditional approaches for breast...

There are 3 traditional approaches for breast augmentation: Under arm (transaxillary) At the junction of the pigmented skin of the areola and breast skin (periareolar) Under the breast at the fold (inframammary) Implant placement through an incision in the belly button has been described, but I am not a fan of this approach. Placements of the implants above or below the muscle can be done through any of the approaches mentioned. Each incision has its advantages and disadvantages, as well... more

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Robert W. Kessler, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

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Incision location and implant placement

There's a lot of great information here and I agree with 95% of it. In my San Francisco area practice we've used almost every incision and placed implants in every plane. It depends on the patient. It appears you're addressing two different issues. One is where your implant sits (under the muscle, above the muscle, "dual plane" (both)) and there are advantages to and negatives for each choice. For most patients under the muscle or partially under the muscle is the most appropriate... more

Steven H. Williams, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

You have only one chance to have your first breast surgery

There are already a number of insightful answers to this important question. It has been stated that every patient is different and one technique is not always the right one for every patient. I agree 100%. Only after a comprehensive discussion about your desires and goals and a though exam can your plastic surgeon best discuss your options with you. Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS

Michael C. Edwards, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Breast implants - No key fits every lock

There are essentially 4 routes currently used for breast implant placement. There is Periareolar (around the nipple) Inframammary (in the crease underneath your breast) Transaxillary (through the armpit) Periumbilical or TUBA (in the belly button). In my opinion, only three of the above are valid accesss sites for implantation, with the TUBA, or belly button site, being fraught with a very high complcation and reoperative rate. I was taught how to do the TUBA from the inventor, and what I... more

Robert Steely, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant position

I am a very strong proponent of placing implants ABOVE the muscle. Because part of the pectoralis muscle is usually cut in order to fit the implants, this causes some of the muscle to atrophy (die). Under the muscle has many other disadvantages such as severe post-operative pain, but there are no advantages that I can discern after using both positions for over 30 years. In addition, placing the implants over the muscle does not require general anesthesia.

Howard T. Bellin, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Patients have many potential options in the selection of...

Patients have many potential options in the selection of the proper breast implant for their own optimal result. Of course, working with an excellent and experienced plastic surgeon is essential and your surgeon should carefully explore what kind of size increase and upper pole profile look you feel would be best for you. Following this, a careful dimensional measurement of your chest wall should put you and your surgeon into the area of the implant catalogue where the diameter of the... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Options for breast implant placement

By options for placement there are several considerations-the two that most people think about are location of the incision and then position of the implant in relation to the muscle. Incision location is usually decided based on surgeon and patient preference. In a patient with a well defined breast crease (infra-mammary fold) I personally prefer to place the incision there because it is well-hidden. However, others prefer different approaches. As far as implant location, if you... more

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Tracy Pfeifer, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Implant placement

There are two general categories as to how breast implants arte placed: 1 Above the pectoralis muscle 2 Below the pectoralis muscle The second alternative (below the muscle) has some variations as to wether other muscles are used to cover the lower and side parts of the implant. Above the muscle looks great and is less painful but has a higher rate of capsular contracture (tightening around the breast). Under the muscle is more painful (which can be minimized by use of a pain pump), but... more

Ricardo Rodriguez, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

3 primary options are available for placement of the implant

There are 3 main options for the placement of breast implants: over the muscle (subpectoral) under the muscle (subglandular) half over/half under the muscle (dual plane). Over the muscle allows for reduced recovery time, less discomfort and is an effective way to correct slight breast ptosis. However, this technique tends to produce a less naural looking result and studies have shown leads to an increased risk of capsular contracture. Under the muscle significantly reduces that risk and... more

Tarick K. Smaili, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Best option for breast implant placement

Options for placement of breast implants include: IMF (the breast fold) Periareolar (around the pigmented portion surrounding your nipple) Transaxillary (under your arm) Belly Button (through the BB) And, there are two main surgical planes: Above the muscle Below the muscle So how do you decide which approach is best for you? It really depends. First, the belly button approach is generally frowned upon by most plastic surgeons. If you look at the bulk of surgeons placing implants... more

Gregory A. Buford, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Breast Implant Placement and Incision Options

This is a complex decision for which there is no easy answer. It depends on such factors as: age skin type race history of child birth intentions for nursing degree of ptosis (sag) implant type amount of asymmetry patient preference previous surgery/scars medical history size of the areola/nipple exercise/activity level etc., etc, etc. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Breast Implant placement

Implant placement, above the muscle or below the muscle, depends on: 1. How much breast tissue you have to cover the implant 2. Saline implants need more protection, and under the muscle gives more protection 3. There is less interference with mammogram under the muscle, may be less capsular contracture. 4. Under the muscle the implant will move with contracting the muscle Once you understand all this, then it is your option.

Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Different planes and different incisions

I insert breast implants through three different incisions: underarm, under the areola or under the breast. I tell my patients that if they are certain that they do not want a scar on their breast, then the underarm incision may be right for them but it may be visible in a swimsuit or tanktop. The areolar incision has the advantage of being at the junction of the areolar skin with the natural skin, but it is visible in the front view The under breast incision does not have the advantage of... more

Jeffrey Horowitz, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Options for Breast Implants

Breast implant techniques have evolved over the last 30 years to accomodate the growing demands of patients for breast augmentation, and the need to improve surgical results. In general, most patients should undergo a submuscular implant. In terms of saline vs. silicone, the major determinant for a primary augmentation is the amount of breast tissue available to cover and camouflage the implant. If you are tissue deficient, as in a small A cup, saline implants will be more likely to be... more

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant placement

I agree with those that say there is no single answer - every patient is different and you have to discuss your specific options with your board certified plastic surgeon. The only incision placement that has very limited benefit is the belly button and it can only be used with saline implants and may void any implant related warranty. Also think about it - where do most women expose more - their belly button or their breasts? Therefore, a scar on your belly button is more noticeable than... more

Bahram Ghaderi, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Implants can be placed either above or below the muscles...

Implants can be placed either above or below the muscles of the chest. There are several choices for the site of the incision as well: -In the crease below the breast -In the armpit -In the belly button -Around the edge of the areola The choice of whether the implants should be above or below the muscle depends on factors relative to each individual patient. Where the incision will go is discussed by the patient and the surgeon. The belly button approach (T.U.B.A. - transumbilical breast... more

Edmond A. Zingaro, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Ideal Placement of Breast Implants in the Breast

The more people read the options of which BREAST IMPLANTS to use, which INCISIONS and WHERE in the breast the breast implant should be placed, the more they get confused and their eyes glaze over. A few facts. There is NO IDEAL IMPLANT. As great as breast implants have become, they still are not as good as the original (OEM) breasts you were given shortly after puberty. As a result, to get the best looking breasts, ALL IMPLANTS MUST BE COVERED and MUST REMAIN ON YOUR CHEST WALL (not slide... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Best Placement for Breast Implants

Depending on the severity and complexity of each unique case, placing implants underneath the muscle through an areolar incision has had the best results. Placing the implants submuscularly decreases the risk of complications such as, encapsulation and malpositioning. Submuscularly placed implants also have a longer-lasting result because the implant is more protected and supported underneath the muscles and tissues of the chest. Using a peri-areolar incision allows easier access to the... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

This is something that is discussed at length during a...

This is something that is discussed at length during a consultation that often lasts between 30 minutes to an hour in my office. It really depends on the patient's anatomy and their preference.