Do I have enough breast tissue to go over the muscle? (Photo)

Question

I would prefer over the muscle as that's where natural breast tissue sits plus I don't want to feel the implant when I work out. There are many reports from ladies saying you can feel the implant when you work out chest. Do I have enough natural breast to go over? Would probably only do about 330 cc

Hampton A. Howell, MD · Answer

Hi. To appropriately discuss implant size, location and choice, you really need an in person evaluation by a plastic surgeon with good experience with breast augmentation.  Opinions and preferences will vary somewhat from one surgeon to another surgeon.  Personally I start with the base width of the patient as the starting point for the footprint of the future implant.  Tissue characteristics, and desired postoperative size, and patient anatomy all factor in to the proper selection of implant volume as well as profile.  In a similar fashion, pocket location (above or below the muscle) choice can vary from one surgeon to another but ultimately is based at least in part on your anatomy and how much tissue you have to camouflage the implant.  It is a balance of pluses and minuses with each location.  Putting an implant above the muscle with thin coverage can result in visible rippling or seeing the implant in an undesirable way.  Below the muscle might have a different sensation when you are working out but most women tend to tolerate that very well.  You will also tend to have a little bit of movement when you flex the chest muscle when the implant is under the muscle, but again that tends to not be a significant issue.  I go over all of that all in detail with my patients at the time of their consultation.
I would recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon with good experience in this area.  He or she can thoroughly review the options with you so that you can make a good and well-informed mutual decision.

Benjamin Baker, BMBS MBA FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thanks for your question. You may well have enough tissue to adequately cover an implant in the sub glandular plane (over the muscle). A face to face consultation with 3D simulation would enable an individualised recommendation of an implant with the appropriate dimensions and volume to achieve your goals.

Amir Sadr, MD, MSc (Plast), FEBOPRAS · Answer

Dear Affectionate299366
Many thanks for your question and photo. Of course you need a consultation and clinical examination but just by looking at your photo, I think you would be good candidate for implant over your muscle. 
As a rule as long as you have about 2 cm thickness of soft tissues of your breast upper pole , you may be able to put the implant over the muscle. You can check for that yourself by pinching the soft tissues of the upper portion of your breast between your thumb and index finger and check to see if it is more than 2 cm. as I mentioned, there are other factors also involved that is why I recommend you have a consultation with a GMC registered plastic surgeon but I hope you find my explanation helpful. Good Luck!

Reza Alamouti, MD, FRCS · Answer

HelloThank you for the question. Yes, the implant can be positioned behind the breast tissue. Different factors contribute with Implant visibility including thickness of the breast tissue, size of the implant and after care such lack of support in a bra.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Though an in person evaluation is always best, from your photo it appears you have enough breast tissue to place the implant above the muscle.  I encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss your concerns.  You'll learn about the pros and cons of over versus under the muscle.  Implant selection will also be discussed.

Do I have enough breast tissue to go over the muscle? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Implant sizes

Answer: Implant sizes

Answer: Over the muscle

Answer: Over the muscle

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Do I have enough breast tissue to go over the muscle? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Implant sizes

Answer: Implant sizes

Answer: Over the muscle

Answer: Over the muscle

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.