Does above the muscle breast aug cost less than under the muscle?

HI Wiggies,Typically. there is no difference in charge between submuscular placement of implants vs. submammaryplacement. Fees can increase if you need a breast lift in addition to the implants, but not with the position of them. You should discuss this issue with your surgeon, but most do not charge an extra fee for the position of the implants.Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Hello! Thank you for your question! Breast augmentation is a procedure often sought by women to increase size, add upper pole fullness and projection along with improve shape and symmetry of her breasts. Women who have the breast augmentation done report increased self-confidence, self-esteem, and more comfortable with her body. In fact, it has been the most popular procedure in plastic surgery in the US for the past few years. In general, implant size does not correlate with cup size. The cup size itself will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer as well as who is doing the actual measurements. Thus, cup size or implant size is never a reliable indicator for your breast size. I typically encourage my patients not to communicate her desires in cup size but more on the actual look and appearance. Your breast width is the most important measurement.   Cost should be the same.Things to to consider during your consultation, which your surgeon will discuss with you, include implant type (saline vs silicone), shape/texturing of implant (round vs shaped/textured vs non-textured), implant position (sub pectoral, subglandular, or subfascial), incision (inframammary fold, periareolar, axillary, or TUBA), and size of implant. This can be performed with/out a breast lift, which would serve to obtain symmetry in breast size or nipple position as well as improve shape. Good communication between you and your surgeon of your expectations is warranted - choosing your surgeon wisely is the first step. Discussion of your wishes and having an honest and open dialog of your procedure is mandatory. I have found that photographs brought by the patient is helpful to get a visualization of the appearance you wish for in terms of size, shape, fullness, etc. In addition, your surgeon's pre and postoperative photographs should demonstrate a realistic goal for you. Once this has been accomplished, allow your surgeon to utilize his/her best medical judgment during the procedure to finesse the best possible result for you after preoperative biodimensional planning and fitting the right implant for your breast width. Too large of implants for the woman often destroys the breast pocket and breast shape, thus creating an oft seen uncorrectable problem later. Very slightly less tissue may be visualized with subglandular implants, but not very significant.Implants may be placed either in the subpectoral (beneath muscle) or subglandular/subfascial (above muscle). Both locations are excellent and you can choose either one - your surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of each. In general, while a placement above the muscle is a more natural position for an implant to augment the actual breast, I find that it is not desirable for very petite women or women with a paucity of breast tissue - as the visibility and potential rippling seen/thinning of tissue may give a suboptimal outcome. A subpectoral pocket adds additional coverage of the implant, but causes slightly more and longer postoperative pain/swelling as well as the potential for animation deformity with flexing of the muscles. Today, there is no virtually no difference in rupture rate, capsular contracture rate (slightly higher with subglandular as well as certain incisions), and infection with the positions. As you see, there are a few factors to decide upon for incision, placement, and implant type/size. Consult with a plastic surgeon who should go over each of the options as well as the risks/benefits. Hope that this helps! Best wishes for a wonderful result!

I appreciate your question.

There is no difference in price in my practice based on implant placement in relation to the muscle.  



The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz

Hello, in my practice there is no difference in the cost of breast implants regardless whether they are above or below the muscle.  You would need to check with the prospective surgeon who is doing your procedure, but I would imagine that most surgeons charge the same fee for either operation.

Thank you for your question.  There is no difference in price in my practice based on the location of implant placement relative to the muscle. 

You should listen to your first doctor.  In front of muscle is good operation and results are more natural. Also there are limits to implant size based on your body.Overly stuffing chest with implants is not a good idea.  Respect your body's limits and you will be happier in long run.

There are many factors to consider regarding the placement of breast implants during a cosmetic surgery consultation. Your (the patients) interests are of prime importance to a plastic surgeon during the consultation appointment, including placement of the implants; below or above the muscle, and ultimately that is your decision.When you select a plastic surgeon, you are also selecting their professional expertise in advising you on suitable implant sizes based upon your particular features (height, weight, natural breast and skin features, family history). It must be a mutually trusting relationship.  Traditionally the size of the implant (300-350cc versus 400cc) nor the position (above the muscle versus below the muscle) affect the price of your surgery.

Thank you for your question. I personally do not charge any differently for above or below the muscle.  Other Plastic Surgeons may have different polices. I hope you find this information useful. 

Thanks for your question. Our practice of 6 plastic surgeons does not charge differently to place an implant above or below the muscle. Going above the muscle can be a slightly shorter surgery duration, so perhaps that is why your surgeon offers a lower price? I would just call the office to clarify. Best wishes.

There should not be a difference in the price whether the implant is being placed above or below the muscle.  There are many benefits to placing the implant below the muscle.  The size of the implant that is chosen is based on a  combination of each  patient's anatomy, and the patient's expectations..