What is the Difference Between Submuscular and Partial Submuscular Implants?

What is the split muscle technique? And which is best for an athletic woman to prevent animation deformity?

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by Kelowna2011 in Kelowna, BC

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Variations of submuscular implant placement

There are some important aspects to how breast implants are placed when under the muscle. Most implants are placed under for better coverage, primarily in the upper part of the breast. The pectoralis muscle is shaped like a Japanese fan, with the "handle" attaching to the upper arm and the edges attaching to the breast bone and the rib cage. The part that attaches to the ribs is higher than where the bottom of the breast is, so it is usually detached in order to let the implant sit... more

Breast Augmentation- Submuscular Implants

Submuscular breast implant placement is more often performed currently as a partial submuscular placement. The pectoralis muscle is detached from its attachment to the chest wall along the muscle's bottom edge, which is near the lower edge of the breast. The muscle is lifted off the chest, and a submuscular space is created, which is where the implant is placed. Partial submuscular placement implies that the bottom third of the implant rests below the lower edge of the muscle. This... more

What is the Difference Between Submuscular and Partial Submuscular Implants?

Most of the previous experts have adequately addressed the definitions of location of breast implants. In each individual case I try to determine what is best for the situation. In your case as an athletic woman, I would recommend above placement due to deformation of the muscle action. Whether texture d or smooth is a decision between you and your chosen surgeon. Best of luck

Breast implant placement

There are 3 main placement of implants. above the muscle (subglandular) implant is about 2/3 covered by chest wall muscle (subpectoral) or implant is completely covered by muscle including some upper abdominal tissue ( submuscular). This option is usually reserved for reconstructive surgery. Since you are athletic and do not want to have deformity with exercise, I would recommend the subglandular placement with a gel implant.

Submuscular vs partial submuscular

Most surgeons who have stated they palce the implants submuscular usually release the muscle along the lower chest to allow the implant to sit appropriately in the pocket. But there are some surgeon who do not divide the muscle and the implants tend to sit too high.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

What is the Difference Between Submuscular and Partial Submuscular Implants?

During breast augmentation, breast implants are typically placed in three different locations/planes: (1) Partially under the pectoralis major muscle (also called "below the muscle," "partially below the muscle," partial retropectoral, partial subpectoral, partial submuscular, dual plane subpectoral, split muscle). In partial subpectoral placement, the breast implants are placed beneath the pectoralis muscle, and the lower attachments of the pectoralis muscle to the... more

Sub-muscular Breast Augmentation in athletic person

There is essentially no such thing as total sub-muscular breast augmentation. The breast implants are put partially sub-muscular. Some people simply refer to those placed in this position as “sub-muscular,” since none are totally below the muscle and it is easier to say. There is no way to prevent problems in an athletic person when the breast implant is placed under the muscle. For you, the implant needs to be above the muscle. I would also use a textured Silicone Implant, as I... more

Many technique variations available to placing implants under muscle

Most prospective breast augmentation patients are familiar with the concepts of placing implants under or over the muscle. Each of these general approaches have a large number of variations that Plastic Surgeons consider and tailor to each patients unique needs. By far the most common approach is a "partially sub-muscular" or sub-pectoral positioning of the breast implants. Depending on the muscular anatomy, the pectoral muscle covers the upper 1/3 - 1/2 of the implant with the... more

Athletic women do best with small breast implants over the muscle.

Hi. 1) Be careful of marketing terminology. If any part of the implants is under the muscles, the breasts will move with vigorous contraction of the pectoral muscles. And athletic women find that very large breast implants get in the way. 2) All "under the muscle" breast implants are really only partially covered by muscle. There is no muscle over the lower outer parts of the breast implants. 3) You may have heard of "... more

All are partially submuscular

If you are muscular, use silicone and put them under the breast, over the muscle. In cosmetic augmentation, all the implants are only partially covered by the muscle. People like to use fancy terms to make it seem as if they are better than the doc down the block.

Submuscular implants

Nearly all submuscular implants are partial or split muscle situations. The terminology can be confuaing because some surgeons want to make patients think partial submuscular implant technique is something special. Total submuscular implants only usually occurs in reconstruction when implants are placed under the pectoralis, the serratus anterior, and the upper portion of the rectus abdominus muscles and most surgeons have drifted away from this technique. Any submuscular implant will have... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant location (under or over the muscle)

If you want to prevent an animation deformity (which is when the breast implant moves when the pectoral muscle contracts) you would want the implant located in a subglandular position (in front of the muscle). This location can make mammograms more difficult to interpret and have a slightly higher incidence of rippling, but if you're very athletic it is an option. I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss this in further detail and have a complete... more