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Submuscular vs. Subglandular - Which is Better?

asked 1 year ago by CittyCat in Ashland
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 1,574 times
Tags: comparison, subglandular, submuscular

I'm worried because my surgery is soon and some have mentioned a rt breast lift is not a good idea or thigh lipo. I heard the chest muscle dies with submuscular placement and that subglandular was better, created better cleavage and filled in the upper pole, so now I'm confused, my surgeon is planning sub muscular, but I called yesterday to see if he does subglandular, any help or suggestions? I'm scheduled to have a tt, rt lift, augment w/ saline 400+cc, lipo on flank, inner/outer thigh. Thanks

14 answers to Submuscular vs. Subglandular - Which is Better?

Breast Implant Positioning?

Thank you for the question. In general, I think it is in your best interests (and that of most patients seeking breast augmentation surgery) to have implants placed in the “dual plane” sub muscular position. This positioning allows for more complete coverage of the breast implants leading to generally more natural feel/look of the implants in the long-term. This position will also decrease the potential for rippling and/or palpability of the implants (which... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Breast implants submuscular vs. subglandular

Generally speaking submuscular implant placement is preferred for most patients. Submuscular implants will not cause the muscle to die. Advantages of submuscular placement include: -lower risk of contracture -lower risk of visible rippling Subglandular implant placement is possible in certain individuals, particularly in individuals with a fair amount of natural breast volume. In your case, I would definitely recommend submuscular implant placement... more

Andrew P. Giacobbe, MD
Buffalo Plastic Surgeon

Implants below or above the muscle

I would agree with most of the previous posts that submuscular is better for most patients. The major advantages of submuscular placement include 1) softer coverage, 2) less risk of rippling, 3) improved upper breast shape. The major disadvantages of submuscular implants are 1) A little more painful recovery, 2) implant movement with activity (this can be minimized by appropriate muscle release). York J. Yates - Utah

York Jay Yates, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

Sub Muscular versus Sub Glandular Breast Augment

Whenever possible, I prefer Sub Muscular Breast Augmentation. The more of you there is over the implant, the more it will look and feel like you, and the less it will look and feel like an implant. This is especially important in patients who are thin or have very little native breast tissue. Based on your photos I believe you will do better with a Sub Muscular Augment. Good luck!

Mark Preston, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Subglandular or submuscular for Breast Augmentation?

I feel that both positions have a role in Breast Augmentation. There is no question from the medical literature that the submuscular or dual-plane approach has a lower rate of certain complications such as capsular contracture. However, there are some disadvantages to this approach as well, including the possibility of breast drooping beyond the position of the implant.

Jeff Scott, MD
Everett Plastic Surgeon

Under or over the muscle with implants - which is better?

There is not really one best answer to this question. The positioning of implants is really left to the patient to select with her surgeon's guidance. My general recommendation is to place the implants under the muscle. The gives a more natural look after surgery, provides a healthy blood supply to surround the implant, and leaves more tissue to cover the implant. In my practice I only recommend that patients who rely on their pectoralis (chest) muscles for a living have their... more

Adam Rubinstein, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

dr-rubinstein.com

Submuscular versus Saline Breast Augmentation

In your case, you have very little native breast tissue and I would recommend submuscular implant placement. This will still give you upper pole fullness and cleavage with your breast shape, but decrease your chance of scar tissue formation and rippling in the upper half of your breast. I find it hard to tell whether you would benefit from a right breast lift based on your photos. I wish you a safe and healthy recovery. see video

Paul S. Gill, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.drpaulgill.com

Submuscular vs. Subglandular - Which is Better

Thank you for posting photos. I prefer sub-muscular placement with saline implants when there is little breast tissue to start with, like yours. The muscle will not die. It will give better coverage of the implant with less liklihood that you will see rippling. I personally would not lift your right breast with that size implant, but some surgeons would.

Amy T. Bandy, DO
Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.drbandy.com

Submuscular versus subglandular.

The choice between placing breast implants under the muscle versus over is dependent upon the amount of breast tissue and fat that you have. The goal is to conceal the implant so that the edges are not visible and to prevent the occurrence of rippling. The muscle does not "die" when you place an implant underneath it. Another advantage (which may be more theoretical) includes a lower rate of capsular contracture when the implant is underneath the muscle. With submuscular... more

David Bogue, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

Muscle does not die with implants placed underneath.

I prefer placing implants under the muscle. The muscle does not die if the implant is submuscular. I have found that the submuscular location results in: 1)more tissue covering the implant for a more natural look 2) improved mammograms when compared to the subglandular implants and 3) decreased rate of capsular contracture. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Submuscular implants

The muscle does not die when the implants are placed under the muscle. I prefer them submuscular becaues it covers the implant with another layer of tissue.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Over the or Under that is the Question

Under the muscle offers several advantages: 1. Less visibility of the implant therefore less likely to see visible rippling in upper breast and cleavage. 2. A better view of the breast tissue when having mammograms. 3. Reduced Capsular Contracture Rates. Judging from your pictures there appears to be a lack of breast tissue volume to cover the implant. Placing them behind the muscle will conceal the implant more, making it less likely to see ripples in the upper... more

Brian Joseph, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

Submuscular vs Subglandular Breast Augmentation

The advantages of submuscular implant are: 1) No rippling in the upper part of the breast because the implant is covered by muscle. 2) there have been studies to show that there is a less chance of capsular contracture when going submuscular. With saline implants, especially over the muscle, you will have a much higher chance of rippling in the upper part of the breast down the line. I perform a majority of my augmentations by placing the implants under the muscle. To answer... more

Babak Dadvand, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation; Subglandular VS Submuscular?

Your surgeon is right. Since ALL breast implants ripple, covering the implants with as much soft tissue as possible will lessen the chance that these ripples would be seen or felt. Putting the implants UNDER the muscle provides another layer of coverage on top of the breast. This is especially important in thin women with not a lot of breast tissue. From the pictures you provided you should have a very nice result. Good Luck. Dr. Peter Aldea