Subpectoral Placement Vs. Subfascial Breast Implant Placement

asked 3 years ago by Emma Curious to Know in Sydney Australia
Latest answer by Rian Maercks, MD
Question viewed 5,757 times

If a subpectoal placement of implant requires a cutting of the pectoral muscle, does this account for the warning that some surgeons give that the breast and nipple area can jump up 1 to 2 inches after a subpectoral placement, given that the muscle might contract upwards? Is there any comparative disadvantage to subpectoral placement (as compared with subfascial for example)?

6 answers to Subpectoral Placement Vs. Subfascial Breast Implant Placement

Subfascial placement advantages in breast augmentation

Subfascial placement in my hands is vastly superior to submuscular for the reasons that you mention and others. With subpectoral placement there is always some degree of lateral displacement of the implants leaving them to rest in at best a less than natural position. With every motion of the arms the tone in the pectoralis major muscle changes and usually leads to the implants being pushed down and out over time. THe inferior pole is usually left in a subglandular position... more

Rian Maercks, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Subfascial prevents animation problems

The subfascial procedure is often a good option to prevent the types of distortion that can occur with subpectoral placement, but there are some issues to consider. I first became interested in the procedure about 6 years ago when I heard a presentation by a south american plastic surgeon at a plastic surgery meeting in Sydney. The subfascial option is used mostly outside the U.S. and with form-stable implants (Allergan 410, Mentor CPG). Since we only had the round implants available in the... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Subglandular placement is an option for patients with this concern

There are advantages and disadvantages with subglandular, subpectoral, and subfascial placement of implants, and you should have a thorough discussion with your surgeon about these options, including whether or not to use a saline or silicone implant. In some patients, a subglandular placement of a silicone implant can give a very nice, attractive result, without the worry of the implant moving with contraction of the muscle. However, this option only works if there is enough tissue to... more

Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

If movement bothers you , go subglandular

Hello All subpectoral implants will show some movement when you press the pectoralis muscle in certain ways. Except for a very rare person, this process is not a concern to patients. However, if it is important that your implants not cause any distortion of the nipple, then subglandular placement is an alternative. I don't think that there is any difference between subglandular and subfascial placement, for practical purposes. Make sure your surgeon is comfortable with both approaches... more

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Subpectoral implant placement has its advantages

When a surgeon evaluates a patient for breast augmentation, it is important to make the right choice for implant placement. Someone who has plenty of breast and soft tissue in the upper hemisphere of the breast, going sub-glandular or sub-fascial is an appropriate choice. For someone with little tissue on the upper half of the breast, it is best to add another layer of coverage between the skin surface and the implant. That layer is the pectoral muscle. By doing so, one would avoid a... more

Leslie H. Stevens, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

You should consider sub-glandular implants.

Hi! Subpectoral implants will indeed move when you contract your chest muscles. You will not be happy. The sub-fascial position has very few applications, in my opinion. But it is an option. For women like you, I use subglandular silicone implants (even on very thin women), and they do just fine.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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