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.

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.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The procedures you mention are one and the same. As a bodybuilder you know the anatomy as the pectoralis is present only under the upper half of the breast. Under the muscle can only be under just so much to keep the implant centered in the breast. Any muscle coverage will deflect or deform an implant and tradeoffs have to be considered in your sport. Perhaps a smaller cohesive subglandular anatomic gel?

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

Answers (5)