Is the Biplane Technique a Better Option over Dual Plane for Athletic Women Seeking Augmentation? (photo)

Question

I live in Toronto, Canada and read an article on Pubmed about Dr Umar Khan's biplane implant placement technique. He's a UK doc that developed this technique in 2007. I was wondering if there are any doctors in North America, or even Toronto, that practice this technique. It sounds like it would be a better option over dual plane, resulting in no movement/displacement when the pectoral muscle is flexed. This is important to me as a figure competitor. I don't have enough tissue for subglandular.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I prefer is Breast Augmentation with Mini Ultimate Breast Lift.  Using only a circumareola incision it is possible to place the implant, reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Aligning the areola, breast tissue and implant over the bony prominence of the chest wall gives maximum anterior projection with a minimal size implant.  Smaller implants can be placed totally retro-pectoral, will not extrude inferiorly or laterally and will not give you complications of the biplane technique.  I  recommend the smallest implant possible to minimize complications requiring revisions. 

	 

	Best Wishes,

	Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Your basically describing to operations that are the same. The real issue is whether or not the implant should be below the pectoralis muscle or above it.

Michael Kreidstein, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

I agree with Dr. G's comments below.  I perform the so-called biplane technique, and implant movement does continue to occur with muscle contraction. Subfascial augmentation is perhaps your best option, although the fascia is not always thick enough and it is not always possible to establish a subfascial plane for placement of the implant.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Based on the terminology and diagrams, I think that you are considering the same procedure being described by 2 different terms. In other words, the breast implants are being placed in the sub muscular position (partially) and in the sub glandular position  (partially).

	I think it is in the best interests of most patients seeking breast augmentation surgery to have implants placed in the “dual plane” or sub muscular position. This includes athletic patients. The submuscular positioning allows for more complete coverage of the breast implants leading to generally more natural feel/look  of the implants in the long-term. This position will also decrease the potential for rippling and/or palpability  of the implants (which may increase with time, weight loss, and/or post-pregnancy changes). 

	The submuscular positioning  also tends to interfere with mammography less so than breast implants in the sub glandular position. The incidence of breast implant encapsulation (capsular  contraction)  is also decreased with implants placed in the sub muscular position.

	On the other hand,  sub glandular breast implant positioning does not have the potential downside of “animation deformity” ( movement/ distortion of the breast implants  seen with flexion of the  pectoralis major muscle)  they can be seen with breast implants placed in these sub muscular position. 

	Overall,  after considering pros/cons carefully, I find that there are many  advantages to placement of breast implants in the sub muscular ( dual plane) position.  I have found that this positioning works well for patients involved with athletics, competition, and bodybuilding.

	 I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

If you're truly into competitive sports, the form stable textured anatomic implants were designed for people just like you.  Even with minimal coverage, they do not wrinkle as much (some people say they don't at all but I find that difficult to believe).  Their temperature changes slowly so be forewarned if you're out in the cold.  Also, these implants do not move so when you lay down, they stand straight up.

Is the Biplane Technique a Better Option over Dual Plane for Athletic Women Seeking Augmentation? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Small implants require less revisions

Answer: Small implants require less revisions

Answer: Biplane and dual plane augmentation are effectively the same thing.

Answer: Biplane and dual plane augmentation are effectively the same thing.

Answer: Biplane vs. Dual Plane Breast Augmentation

Answer: Biplane vs. Dual Plane Breast Augmentation

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Answer: Biplane Technique a Better Option over Dual Plane for Athletic Women Seeking Augmentation?

Answer: Biplane Technique a Better Option over Dual Plane for Athletic Women Seeking Augmentation?

Answer: Which technique is best?

Answer: Which technique is best?

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

Is the Biplane Technique a Better Option over Dual Plane for Athletic Women Seeking Augmentation? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Small implants require less revisions

Answer: Small implants require less revisions

Answer: Biplane and dual plane augmentation are effectively the same thing.

Answer: Biplane and dual plane augmentation are effectively the same thing.

Answer: Biplane vs. Dual Plane Breast Augmentation

Answer: Biplane vs. Dual Plane Breast Augmentation

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Answer: Biplane Technique a Better Option over Dual Plane for Athletic Women Seeking Augmentation?

Answer: Biplane Technique a Better Option over Dual Plane for Athletic Women Seeking Augmentation?

Answer: Which technique is best?

Answer: Which technique is best?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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