Submuscular vs. dual plane, which one releases more muscle?

Question

My implants are fully sub muscular according to my surgeon. They are riding very high and my tissue is sitting at the bottom. Can someone describe the difference between sub muscular and dual plane to me? Does one require more muscle release than the other? What would need to be done to be dual plane?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Feelinglost16,
I almost always place implants submuscular. It lowers the rate of capsular contracture significantly. In addition, it looks much more natural because the muscle provides covering over the implant so its not as round on the top. I've also noticed the implants drop less over time when they are protected under the muscle.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

By creating space above the muscle the breast can be more perfectly centered over the implant using sub muscular augmentation.  This is effective in mildly ptotic breasts.  Releasing the muscle is standard practice in sub muscular augmentation

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, inserting an implant in a typical submuscular / subpectoral pocket only involves releasing a small amount of muscle to gain access to the space deep to the muscle, plus some muscle fibres are usually released around the borders of the pocket.  In contrast, a dual plane pocket typically involves releasing the pectorals muscle completely along the lower aspect of the breast (inframammary fold).  The goal of making a dual plane pocket is to allow the implant to settle lower within the breast, rather than being held up by the muscle.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question.
Dual-plane breast implant placement implies that the implants are placed under the muscle (hence are sub muscular) but there is also significant amount of pectoralis muscle release that's performed towards to sternum (chest wall bone) in order for the implant to be placed more towards the middle.
In addition, implants can take take 6-12 months to settle fully into the their final position. 
I would encourage you to discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

As far as I’m concerned submuscular and dual plane are the same thing. There is not really any muscle to cover the implant in the lower outer part of the breast so only part of the breast gets covered with muscle anyway

Submuscular vs. dual plane, which one releases more muscle?

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Submuscular vs. dual plane, which one releases more muscle?

Answers (8)

Answer: Submuscular vs. dual plane

Answer: Submuscular vs. dual plane

Answer: Breast implants

Answer: Breast implants

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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.