Does placing the implants under the muscle reduce its size? How much?

Question

Hello, I would like to know the proportion of reduction of implants in relation to placing them subglandularly or submuscularly. For example, if I place a “motiva ergonomix 245cc mini” implant subglandularly, it is equivalent to 245cc, but submuscularly it is equivalent to 230cc... 220cc... what would be the reduction ratio? thank you for your attention.

Mario J. Samaha, MD · Answer

Hello - thank you for your question. The choice of pocket (sub glandular vs submusclar) shouldn't really affect the "size" of the implant, but more so its look. Under the muscle usually give a more natural look with a more "slopy" transition between your chest to breast. Both have their pros and cons, so make sure to ask your plastic surgeon about the difference! Hope this helps!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Cristina Dracea, MD, FACS · Answer

The volume of the implant does not change even if you place it subglandular or submuscular. A 245cc implant will remain a 245cc implant. The implant might be slightly flattened initially in a submuscular plane until the muscle relaxes and stretches on top of the implant, but the size of the implant will always remain the same (unless the implant ruptures)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Warmhearted591036,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concern, and the confusion that is derived from placement of implants above or below the muscle. The short answer is placement of the implant above the muscle provides approximately 20% increase as compared to same size implant below the muscle. However, if you are extremely thin or lacking at least some breast tissue, a much more natural result is achieved by placement of the implants under the muscle. Come see me or another board-certified plastic surgeon in our area to explore the best options for you.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

The reduction in apparent size when placing breast implants submuscularly versus subglandularly can vary depending on various factors, including the individual's anatomy, the type of implant used, and the surgical technique employed. The difference in perceived size is typically due to the additional coverage and compression provided by the muscle when the implant is placed submuscularly.

While it's challenging to provide an exact reduction ratio without considering the specific details of your case, a common estimate is that implants placed submuscularly may appear approximately 10% to 15% smaller than implants of the same volume placed subglandularly.

For example, if you are considering a 245cc implant placed subglandularly, it might appear slightly smaller, around 220cc to 230cc, if placed submuscularly. However, it's important to note that this is an approximate estimation, and the actual size difference can vary.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Implant placement does not change the volume of the implants, but may give a bit of a different look.  Implants placed beneath the muscle give more of a natural look to the breast.  It also has benefits such as lower rate of capsular contracture and some camouflage of the upper portion of the implant.  Visit with your surgeon to discuss what is most in line with your surgical goals.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The volume is still the same whether the implant is placed in front of or behind the muscle. Behind the muscle, there can be some compression on the implant, but you have the added volume of the muscle. In front of the muscles, there is no compression, but there is less upper breast fullness since the volume of the muscle is not present.  The volume is the same, but the look can vary. Some will go a little larger with implants behind the muscle to make up for the compression with lower profile implants.  With higher profile implants, changing the volume is not needed.  With form stable implants, there is very little compression.

Does placing the implants under the muscle reduce its size? How much?

Answers (8)

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