Why Would my Doctor Recommend Above the Muscle Breast Implant?

5'2 140lbs B cup - plenty of natural breast tissue slight drooping wanting to have fullness at top of breast

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above muscle reasons second opinion

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by jo8180

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Implants above the muscle

It is difficult to say why your doctor is recommending implants above the muscle, without pictures and/or physical examination. in some cases of sagging putting the implants under the muscle would require some kind of a lift vs putting the implants over the muscle without a lift. please follow the advise of a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your options with him/her.

Above the muscle for breast implants

With the patient who is very heavy set with a lot of fatty tissue in the breast with ptosis or sagging of the breasts it is best to put it on top of the muscle and in particular tuberous breasts, which are a breast abnormality.

Putting implants above the muscle

It is not simple to say why your doctor would recommend to place the implants above the muscle. Many times when it is done, it is for shaping reasons- for example if you have tubular shaped breasts. I would recommend asking your surgeon for more specific information to help you make a more informed decision.

Mennen T. Gallas, MD

8 reviews

Houston Plastic Surgeon

Implants above the muscle-only a temporary fix

Hi Joy, I NEVER place implants above the muscle because I know what the outcome will be in a couple of years - low/saggy 'rock in a sock' look. It's not pretty. Placement of implants above the muscle have only the skin for support. Every woman knows skin is simply not enough to hold anything up. Yes, breasts look great the first couple of years, but quickly stretch the skin and tissues to create a problem that is very difficult to correct. Submuscular placement at least provides... more

Above the Muscle Breast Implants

There are many reasons for placing breast implants above the muscle. I prefer that placement in anyone with droop, as it allows me to better raise the breast tissue, not just push an implant high. It is the preferred placement for anyone who is athletic or uses the arms significantly. There is also evidence that it reduces the implant rupture rate. From your description, you have adequate tissue superiorly to cove the implant. Therefore, you should have no problem with implant palpability.... more

Breast Implants above the muscle (sub-glandular)

When I have a patient with moderate breast volume and some droop (ptosis), I do offer them silicone sub-glandular implants. This enables me to fill in the superior pole of the breast as well as expand the breast envelope in a way that is not possible with sub-muscular placement. The alternative is a breast lift of varying degrees with sub-muscular placement. The sub-glandular approach enables me to give a good result to a patient who might otherwise be better off with a lift as well as... more

Implants above the muscle

Sometimes implants are placed above the muscle in patients that have ample breast tissue. I usually place them below for added soft tissue coverage in the superior pole.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants above or below the muscle?

If you have already have some "slight drooping" your doctor is probably trying to avoid the scars related to a mastopexy, aka, breast lift. If you are a bodybuilder, it would be appropriate to go over the muscle, also known as subglandular. Those would be the 2 main reasons for placing the implants subglandular, as opposed to under the muscle, also known as subpectoral. It would be best to have an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon if the initial surgeon cannot... more

Why Would my Doctor Recommend Above the Muscle Breast Implant?

It is hard to say why a surgeon makes a certain recommendation without examining you. I do most implants under the muscle because we get a more natural look in the upper breast where the muscle hides the implant edge. But I use a dual plane technique so the muscle actually pushes the implant into the lower breast in someone with a little droop. This gives the most natural look of all. If your surgeon is not using the dual plane technique you may want to get some more opinions before making a... more

Why would implants be placed above the muscle?

Difficult to answer without an exam and pictures. Would tell you that placement above the muscle does have some immediate advantages but also has some long term disadvantages. If you are not happy with the recommendations I would recommend another consultation with a BC Plastic Surgeon,important for you to feel comfortable with his/her recommendations. Good Luck!

Not all implants will look best under the muscle

Most breast implants are indeed placed under the muscle, though not all, and this will depend on available tissue coverage, the implant size, lifestyle, and the available skin envelope. With good cover and a small implant, perhaps just for upper fill, the subglandular approach might be just right for you.

Subglandular Breast Implant Placement

The most likely reason is what you have stated in your question...slight drooping of the breasts. It is not rare for plastic surgeons to consider placing the implant above the muscle in an effort to provide more of a breast lifting effect. There are advantages and disadvantages to subglandular breast imlpant placement and these need to be compared and contrasted to submuscular placement so you can make an informed decision.

Above the Muscle Placement

Without proper consultation and examination, it is difficult to recommend the proper placement. Position of the implant above the pectoralis muscle is known as subglandular placement and offers some advantages. This operation involves less discomfort and faster recovery because the pectoralis muscle itself is not disturbed. Your breasts will immediately appear attractive because swelling is minimal. In athletic muscular women it causes less movement (distortion) of the breast when... more