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Should Breast Implant Placement Matter when It Comes to Support?

asked 2 years ago by Fitmom1977 in St. Louis, MO
Latest answer by Michael Law, MD
Question viewed 629 times
Tags: female, 150-169 lbs, 5 ft 4 in to 5 ft 7 in, silicone implant, 450-499cc, D cup

I am considering Silicone Breast Implants with a crescent Breast lift. The doctor I saw suggested 450cc's and placement over the muscle. I am 5'7", 165lbs. I have had 3 children, and am a 36D currently.

I am a fitness instructor, so would the placement matter when it comes to support? I was told I have a good amount of breast tissue and that it wasn't required to place the implants under the muscle. What is your advise?

12 answers to Should Breast Implant Placement Matter when It Comes to Support?

Under vs over for a fitness instructor

Since going under the muscle adds "padding" over an implant to the upper half of the breast but doesn't really add support from the bottom, over is often a good choice for athletic women if there is enough tissue coverage. There are hybrid procedures such as subfascial and split submuscular that may be worth considering for thinner women who are active. I would add just one comment though, 450 cc for someone who is already a D cup is not a typical choice for women who are... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implants for a Fitness Instructor

I regularly perform breast augmentation surgery for patients who participate in body building, fitness and figure competitions. While many are initially concerned about sub-pectoral placement and the potential for distortion of the appearance of augmented breasts when the pec major contracts, I am absolutely confident that the aesthetic outcome for these patients will be far superior with implants placed under the muscle. A pre-pectoral implant in a slender patient, especially one with... more

Michael Law, MD
Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

Support for the implant

I do not think one pocket location over another will affect the support. I think the quality of the skin and soft tissue as well as the size of the implants will matter more.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Should Breast Implant Placement Matter when It Comes to Support?

When Implants are placed under the muscle, it is my impression that this offers greater support for the implant. In some instances this results in a greater tendency of the "Snoopy breast". On the other hand placement over the muscle, generally provides less support and an increased likelihood of the "rock in the sock" deformity. However, these are gross generalizations.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant sizing and Augmentation

Dear Fitmom The placement of the implant has more to do with the amount of tissue coverage to disguise the implant versus the support for the implant. The larger the implant the more gravitational wieght and stretching of the tissues- the muscle will not stop this and particularly with a 450 cc implant which will only be partially covered by the muscle if placed underneath. As a fitness instructor and being a 'D' cup- you may find the size of the implant slightly large- this would of course... more

Trevor M. Born, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant position

Hi! 1) 450 cc's much too big if you are now a D cup. You will have a very hard time as fitness instructor. 2) Over the muscle placement probably good.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Above or below the muscle for support

From the information you provide it may be appropriate to place the implant above the muscle. When implants are placed "under the muscle" they are really only partially covered by the pectoralis muscle. If you flex you pec and feel the lower edge you will notice the muscle doesn't extend to the lower outer portion of the breast. There really isn't any loss of support if the implant is placed above the muscle. The reason that the large majority of saline devices are placed... more

John E. Gross, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Implant placement doesn't really affect the support for the implant

The bottom of the implant, when you are standing, is only covered by skin. This is true whether the implant is above or below the muscle. Thus, support is really not affected by the placement of the implant. If you are a fitness instructor, then you frequently use your pectoralis muscle. If the implant is under the muscle, this will bother you a lot since the implant will move considerably and the breast appearance will change every time you contract your chest muscles. For this reason,... more

John Diaz, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Placement of breast implants...under or over the muscle

It sounds as though over the muscle is the best option for you. This is because whenever you flex your pectoralis muscles, you may be able to see the implants move if they are placed under the muscle. If you have enough breast tissue on top of the muscle, placing the implant over the muscle will give you a great look with the awkward movement of the implants under the muscles. A lift is also a good option at the same time as an augmentation, especially if you have ptosis (droopiness) of... more

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

www.BaltimorePlasticSurgery.com

Implant placement is often a plastic surgeon's choice

Dear FitMom, Whether an implant is placed above or below the muscle is decided upon between the patient and plastic surgeon. I rarely place an implant above the muscle because I think the muscle coverage provides a more natural appearance and leads to better coverage in the future. As an aside, I am not a fan of cresent lifts but this is also my personal preference. This procedure should be reserved for a woman who has minimal sagginess (ptosis). Your plastic surgeon will most likely... more

Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

www.medwardsmd.com

Breast Implant Placement

It sounds like your plastic surgeon has taken these things into consideration with his recommendation. Given the amount of breast tissue you have and your fitness instructor position polacing on top of the muscle may be the correct choice. Gnerally under the muscle has a lower risk of infection at the time of surgery and better "soft tissue" coverage so it shows less and less rippling visible and felt. The implant can move with contraction of the muscle. On top of the muscle moves... more

John P. Stratis, MD
Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon

Placement of breast implants under the muscle helps to support breast long term

I disagree with your doctor! Placing the breast implant under the muscle gives them much better long term support. In fact, I have offen seen rapid sagging of breasts when a large implant is placed over the muscle, irregardless of breast size. One of the reasons that you doctor might have recommended subglandular placement is that, in that case he does not have to perform a more extensive breast lift, but the breast would not be lifted as much as they should have been.