When going under the muscle do you lose cm of projection?

Question

High profile mentor silicone 400cc 5cm projection

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, yes, you will lose a little projection. I advise my patients that since it will look a bit smaller, if they are torn between two sizes, go with the larger of the two knowing it will look a bit smaller. Good luck selecting the right size for you!

Jeff T. Healy, MD · Answer

Implants placed below the muscle or in the dual plane location will look slightly smaller than the same size implant placed on top of the muscle.  The difference is minimal and will vary depending on the amount of breast tissue a patient has as well as the thickness of the pectoralis muscle.I believe there are significant advantages to placing the implant under the muscle and recommend this to the vast majority of my patients.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. No, in my opinion, it is not possible to accurately determine how many CCs the you would “lose” when undergoing sub muscular breast augmentation surgery.  I would suggest that you do not make your decisions based on statement such as: “you will lose 50 cc of volume when breast implants are placed under the muscle”. These statements are simply not reliable enough to utilize clinically. Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering  breast augmentation surgery (regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully.  Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work. Sometimes, it is necessary to seek several consultations before you feel comfortable about your choice.2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals  with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining  breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as  “natural” or "C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful. Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate. Again, best not to discuss your goals and/or judge the outcome of the procedure performed based on achieving a specific cup size.  The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during the communication process. The use of  in bra sizers may also be helpful. In other words, use as many “visual aids” as possible during the communication process. I encourage patients to meet  with me as my times as necessary, to feel comfortable that we are both on the “same page”.3.  Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly,  allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals.  Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery. I generally select appropriate breast implant size/profile after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers and viewing the patient's chest in the upright and supine positions.I hope this (and the attached link,  dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps.  Best wishes.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

There are many variables in recommending implant size/type. I base my implant recommendation on patients' body (chest height, chest width, existing breast tissue) as well as their desired look. I would go for the desired look. Review before and after photos and see what kind of look that you want. Share your wish photos with your plastic surgeon.Implants come in different types (silicone, saline), shape (round, anatomic), and profiles and volume. More meaningful recommendation can be made based on direct examination and in-person consultation. Please visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon.Best regards.

Paul S. Thesiger, MD · Answer

Due to the fact that the implant is being placed deeper into the pocket there is some loss of projection when going below the muscle. That said, the difference is quite minimal and the benefits far outweigh the risks. The benefits include: less chance of capsular contraction and rippling, better implant coverage for a natural look and finally more implant cover for the fold which also mitigates rippling.Most of us who are certified go below the muscle, and its accepted to be the standard of care.Paul Thesiger, MDChevy Chase

When going under the muscle do you lose cm of projection?

Answers (7)

Answer: Implant Sizing

Answer: Implant Sizing

Answer: Projection loss under muscle vs above muscle

Answer: Projection loss under muscle vs above muscle

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Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

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When going under the muscle do you lose cm of projection?

Answers (7)

Answer: Implant Sizing

Answer: Implant Sizing

Answer: Projection loss under muscle vs above muscle

Answer: Projection loss under muscle vs above muscle

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

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