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

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!

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.  

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.

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.

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

Hi,Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is important to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and concerns. Having said that, no, you will not lose any significant projection. This will ultimately be a combination of breast tissue, muscle mass, skin thickness and implant dimension.I hope you found this helpful. Have a great day.

No, in my experience breast size after submuscular breast augmentation is very similar to the size after subglandular once the implants have dropped into their final position. Choose the size you want based on your exam and sizing with rice or sizers and stick with that size.For more on sizing breast implants please read below: