Breast Implants: Q&A

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I'm a Runner and Lift Weights, Which is Better Subglandular or Submuscular? I Keep Seeing Mixed Answers.

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by Minkster in MN

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Regardless of activity levels, below the muscle is better for the vast majority of augmentation patients.

You are receiving mixed messages because although most surgeons agree that below the muscle is better in most patients, there will always be a few surgeons who will recommend above the muscle. It is important to ask WHY? Before the FDA restrictions on the use of silicone gel implants (1991), the vast majority of implants used were silicone gel, and they were placed above the muscle. The operation was pretty easy, not too painful a recovery, and could be accomplished under local... more

Breast Implant Above or Below the muscle in a Runner

Hard to tell without an examination, but going under the musclel utilizing the Dual Plane technique will allow for the best of both worlds. The Dual plane techique releases the inferior edge of the pec muscle allowing it to sit partially under the breast and partially under the muscle. I believe the muscle is esential for long trem support of the implant. I would only place subglandular if you are a body builder and focus on developing very prominent pec muscles. Hope this helps. more

Breast implants for runners

Most often we find runners have very thin tissue coverage to hide an implant, and the submuscular approach will blend and hide the implant better, and the submuscular implant may remain softer over time. Weights may be an issue as the implant can push down and out with muscle pressure and you might have to work around this. Also, avoid a high profile implant as in a runner the look might be too round and projecting. If you are elite, we'll see you on the cover of Runner's World and... more

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For a weight lifter and runner is subglandular or submuschlar better?

You probably know the muscle behind your breast is the pectoralis muscle. You use it a lot in weight lifting and when swinging your arms while running. These activities do not cause abnormal movements of your normal breast. To best preserve your normal anatomy it's my opinion the best place to put your implant is in a potential space between your muscle and your breast, avoiding cutting into either one. Ideally your breast will cover and blend with your implant and it will be difficult if... more

Breast Implants

It is always great to stay in shape, and breast implants should enhance your life style without detracting from your exercise routine. How much breast tissue you currently have would be a big factor in deciding between subglandular or submuscular. Silicone does better in a subglandular position compared to saline because silicone has less wrinkles. Many professional competitors for body building, in my experience, go under the muscle without problems or... more

Athlete and breast implant pocket

In the majority of patients, I prefer breast implants to be placed under the muscle for numerous reasons. It should not impact your strength.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Submuscular Breast Implants in weight lifters/athletes

I have had many breast augmentation patients who lifted weights and were even body builders. They all have had submuscular breast implants without affecting their ability to lift weights afterwards. It is important to understand that the concept of submuscular placement really means part of the implant is under the muscle (upper part) and part of the implant (lower part) is under the breast tissue. This dual plane approach captures the benefits of both implant locations. more

Implant placement

It depends on the sizecand shape of your breasts and the amount of body fat that you have. If you have very developed pecs, going under the muscle can create a double bubble appearance. I think the correct answer is that A plastic surgeon who sees you in consultation will make a recommendation based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Pocket position.

I used both approaches, however, 90% are subpectoral. Activity is only an issue if you are a body builder. I do not see a difference in recovery or post op activity whether above the muscle or subpectoral.

Breasts Implants Over or Under the Pectoralis Muscle?

Submuscular and subglandular(above the muscle ) placements both have problems associated with them Sub muscular position results in abnormal muscle contraction and displacement of the implant ,particularly in patients with well developed muscles. The dual plane has the same effect.As the muscle is cut inferiorly, the muscle can retract resulting in the bubble bubble deformity Subglandular placement is not ideal for patients with thin skin.Large subglandular... more

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.