Would you suggest an over or under the muscle implant with a Sientra textured silicone MP implant on a small 32C patient?

Question

I have scheduled my breast augmentation for January 7th. My PS surgeon has suggested a 385cc moderate profile textured silicone implant by Sientra. He said that since I have adequate breast tissue (small 32C) that I can go either under or over the muscle and is suggesting I go over but said it's ultimately up to me. My number one priority is to go with whichever gives me the most natural outcome in both look and feel. I like to work out so that may also play into this decision.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your description of "adequate" existing breast tissue, the "need" to go below the muscle to reduce implant ripples or edge visibility is less, so technically, your surgeon is right--but that assumes all other things are equal about above or below the muscle placement. They are not!Most patients want "natural" look and feel (some actually want the high, tight, Baywatch coconut look, but they rarely understand that accompanying that look is the hardness of capsular contracture). Capsular contracture (CC) is definitely NOT something patients want, yet going above the muscles "bathes" your implants in bacteria from the breast ducts, and bacterial biofilm has been shown to be a source of CC. This is why Betadine or Adams triple antibiotic formula irrigations of breast pockets reduces (but does not eliminate) the risk of CC.So why go above the muscles at all? Most surgeons go below the muscles because that placement reduces implant rippling (saline for sure, but even silicone), edge of implant visibility, and capsular contracture. There are only a few "cons" of going below the muscle.Let's discard a few (false ones) right off the bat. Going below the muscles does NOT destroy the functionality or use of the muscles, though you have to retrain and restrengthen them after surgery. The muscles do not atrophy, and unless something goes seriously wrong during surgery (say by someone who is not a "real" plastic surgeon, is not certified by the ABPS,  and does not understand the anatomy properly), the strength and use of the muscles is preserved. Many plastic surgeons who do lots of breast augmentations have body builders or figure competitors among our patients. No problem.Going below the muscles does NOT require a longer or more painful recovery either. Careful surgery, precise dissection, meticulous hemostasis, and gentle tissue handling makes this (longer, difficult, and painful recovery) something seen only by those surgeons who use blunt dissection, drains, and Ace wraps or tight surgical bras after surgery (to stop bleeding, or drain it away, rather than carefully avoiding it and controlling it during surgery). So what are the actual downsides of below the muscle placement?The only real one is activation distortion. This is visible distortion of the implant when the pec major muscle is flexed, and it can occur on one or both sides. Sometimes this is minimal and barely noticeable, and other times it is quite a visible concern (especially if you are a body builder or figure competitor). Otherwise, most women do not actively flex their muscles while naked, and this is less of a concern if you understand that the tradeoff is a good one--avoiding the much bigger problem of capsular contracture, since CC usually requires surgical intervention.When activation distortion is severe, or enough of a cosmetic concern for patients to ask what can be done, often the only effective solution is to decide to go above the muscles, with all that accompanies that decision, including increased risk of visible edge, ripples, and CC. So, I applaud your surgeon for offering both options, though you did not say if enough information was given to help you weigh the pros and cons. I suspect not, since you are here online asking these (good) questions!Another issue that bears discussion is the use of textured implants below the muscles. If you ultimately decide to go above the muscles I would absolutely recommend textured, as this has been shown to reduce the incidence of CC, even though implant placement above the muscles increases the risk of CC. Do they cancel each other out? Maybe. Maybe not. (Hopefully) minimal flex distortion vs. CC requiring re-operation? Your call, but I know which way I would recommend.Why not consider smooth round cohesive silicone gel implants below the muscle, where you get the reduced risk of edge or ripple visibility, decreased risk of CC, and a soft, natural breast that actually flattens and drops to the side when you recline, just like natural large(r) breasts? Textured implants are designed to adhere to the tissues, and therefore do not move, drop, soften, or settle like smooth round silicone gel implants (Sientra makes great ones). Teardrop-shaped textured implants remain teardrop shaped in all positions, even when reclining, which in my books is decidedly UN-natural! Round textured implants are not position-sensitive, but do not move like smooth implants.Thus, I would recommend smooth round cohesive silicone gel implants placed below the muscles with proper inferomedial muscle fiber release (to reduce activation distortion), in the size and profile that best matches your breast base diameter. Your size and profile seem absolutely appropriate, and textured is not "wrong," just unnecessary IMHO, and perhaps ultimately slightly less natural. Again, if activation distortion is enough of a concern to warrant going above the muscle, then I would use the textured implants. But I think you will be better served by smooth below the muscles. Just don't flex naked! For more information you can click on the web reference link below for my Comprehensive Guide to Breast Augmentation, which has a large section on choosing implants. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I almost always place the implant under the muscle.  However, if you gave a fair amount of breast tissue that will cover the implant, it is fine to go above the muscle instead.

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

This answer is perhaps most importantly answered by the amount of tissue. You have two hide the implant to visibility as well as feel. Importantly, there are other concerns as tissue laxity and the appearance of the upper pole. Your plastic surgeon's decision that the implant would be appropriate in either plain

Christopher Khorsandi, MD · Answer

Dr. Tholen's explanation below is as thorough as it gets.  I agree with his recommendation and his description of the pro's and con's of implant placement above the muscle.  If you are unsure about what you want to do, you can always ask to see your surgeon again to discuss options.  Since this is an elective procedure you can always reschedule if you need more answers/time.  Good luck with your surgery.

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Without a picture its difficult to asses but if your plastic surgeon said that you have enough tissue and you are getting the 5th generation textured Sientra implant, then you can choose to go over or under the muscle.  Both will give you excellent results with the implant type that you have chosen.  Best of Luck.

Would you suggest an over or under the muscle implant with a Sientra textured silicone MP implant on a small 32C patient?

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Answer: Above or Below the Muscle

Answer: Above or Below the Muscle

Answer: Would you suggest an over or under the muscle implant with a Sientra textured silicone MP implant on a small 32C patient

Answer: Would you suggest an over or under the muscle implant with a Sientra textured silicone MP implant on a small 32C patient

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Would you suggest an over or under the muscle implant with a Sientra textured silicone MP implant on a small 32C patient?

Answers (6)

Answer: Above or Below the Muscle

Answer: Above or Below the Muscle

Answer: Would you suggest an over or under the muscle implant with a Sientra textured silicone MP implant on a small 32C patient

Answer: Would you suggest an over or under the muscle implant with a Sientra textured silicone MP implant on a small 32C patient

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Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

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