Would You Recommend Under the Muscle Implants for a Exotic Dancer?

I do all my breast augmentation under the muscle for the last 25 years. With the correct technique they look very natural. Obviously, there is some motion with muscle movement, however, I had one dancer who told me that she gets payed more due to her ability to move them... As far as return to normal physical activity, in my practice - 1 month.

If you are size 34 A, each 100 cc's of implant would correspond to 1 cup size change.  You have not given your desired size but if you wanted to go to a D, that would require 300 cc implants.  I assume that you do not have any drooping of your breasts since you are not requesting a lift.  I would recommend silicone gel implants, retro-pectoral, as small as possible to minimize motion with muscle contractures.  Also, the implants should be placed high and completely under the muscle to minimize displacement.

Best of Luck,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

The animation that you see with subpectoral implants often is not as bothersome as many people think. I personally feel that the subpectoral implant looks more natural, has a lower potential for rippling, and more importantly has a lower capsular contracture rate. You can return to full activity including pole tricks at 6 weeks after surgery. 

For all young small breasted woman I use saline implants placed under the muscle using a one inch arm pit incision. This allows early return to full function (2 weeks) with no risk of a breast incision popping open due to trauma from dancing or pole work. Good luck!

Each case is different. Most of the dancers who we have cared for have benefitted from submuscular breast implant placement. The benefits related to submuscular placement including look, longevity, lower capsular contracture, and lower probability of rippling far outweigh any concerns related to animation. To explore your options, consult with 3 - 4 experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeons.  

It is my opinion that submuscular implants have better longer lasting results. Like any other surgical wound it takes aprox 3weeks to get 80% of the scar strength which is enough for the patient to start exercise.

 

I think you're caught between a rock and a hard place.  If you have the implants above the muscle, because you are so small to begin with, the effect may not be as realistic as with submuscular placement and rippling might be apparent.  However, if you go below the muscle, then that "flexion" issue may be more apparent in your profession than for most women.  You shouldn't exert these muscles for at least six weeks postop and that might have a negative effect on your income.  All of these issues are individualized and should be discussed with your plastic surgeon.  Don't be afraid to tell him what you do for a living because it will be the only way for him to discuss the options intelligently with you.

You will be flexing your pecs -- causing deformities of the implants if they are submuscular. Usually they do better above the muscle. Also, size could be an issue.

When breast implants are placed under the muscle, the usual positioning preferred by most surgeons and patients, the implant and therefore the breast shape will change when the pectoral muscle is flexed. The implant typically is flattened and moves laterally. This is quite noticeable in women not wearing a top. 

 

It has been my experience that most women who don't go around without a top do not notice the motion or "animation."

 

If it is anatomically appropriate, above the muscle implants may well be a better choice for you. Good luck.

Thank you for your question.

I would focus on what is best for you personally which in a fit young person with smaller breast tissue would be under the muscle or sub muscular breast implants.

The benefits to you are a more natural look, less visible implant and less chance of capsular contracture or hardness.

Movement of the implant during vigorous upper body exercise and pole dancing will occur but most patients do not find this troubling and techniques for releasing the bottom of the muscle will help.

I would however recommend that you not pole dance or do push ups or other vigorous upper body exercise for at least 6 weeks and of course follow the advice of your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.