Dual Plane Approach for Breast Implant Reduction?

asked 3 years ago by mary joe in paris tx
Latest answer by Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Question viewed 1,560 times
Tags: breast size

I'm having my High Profile submuscular breast implants reduced to either MP Plus or MP. The plastic surgeon will perform dual plane approach this time. Is it ok to have this switch?

6 answers to Dual Plane Approach for Breast Implant Reduction?

Nothing magic in "dual plane"

The standard submuscular augemntation performed by most surgeons is "dual plane" because the pec major cannot cover the implant in the lower outer corner of the breast. This isn't new, novel, or better just because some now use the fancy term "dual plane." If you are already submuscular, you are already dual plane. If you are subglandular, doing a submuscular conversion will make you dual plane. If your pocket isn't a problem, downsizing implants should just be done in... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Not a reduction technique

As has been noted by other plastic surgeons answering, the dual plane technique will not make the pocket smaller for down-sizing implants regardless of profile. I would return to your plastic surgeon and ask them to explain to you what they meant and how it will help your outcome. Dr Edwards

Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

www.medwardsmd.com

Dual plane helpful in re-draping your breast over a new implant

I have used what is now called a dual plane approach for over 25 years. Essentialy, the doctor is detaching the breast gland from the muscle, placing the implant under the muscle, and then re-draping the breast gland and skin over the new mound created by the breast implant and overlying muscle. The benefit of this maneuver, especially if the breast is ptotic or droopy, is that the breast gland and skin can be draped over the newly created breast mound created by the new submuscular implant... more

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

Don't get caught in terminology.

Dual-plane, over-under, and many terms you hear are purely marketing terms designed to make it look like your doctor is giving you something special. Most submuscular implants are placed so that not the entire implant is covered by muscle. The part that is not covered is part of the "dual plane" or the "over" in the over-under terminology. Maybe your implants were placed completely submuscularly the first time. If you are having concerns about the profile, it could be... more

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Be clear on terminology

Dual-plane and submuscular are really pretty much the same thing. The term "dual plane" refers to the fact that the pectoral muscle doesn't cover the lower portion of the implant, so that part is subglandular. A few surgeons do what is called total submuscular, which involves lifting other muscles to try to get coverage there, but this is uncommon so most people are doing dual-plane and calling it submuscular. Another option is a split muscle approach, in which only the upper... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

What do you mean exactly?

What is your understanding of this operation, what are your goals, and what is it that you are trying to correct (i.e., what don't you like right now), and when did you have your last operation. Finally, why dual plane? sek

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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