I'm wary of getting implants placed over the muscle, but I am very uneducated on the differences and the pros and cons of either placement. I know my surgeon will pick the best placement for me but I'd like to be educated on the decision. Is there a major difference between the two placements? Is one better than the other for my body type? I am 5'8", 118 pounds with an athletic build.
February 9, 2017
Answer: Pros and Cons of Silicone Implant Placement Over or Under the Muscle When breast enlargement with implants first became popular, the implants were placed just behind the breast on top of the pectoral muscle. With time, it became obvious that there was a high occurrence of hardening of the implants due to tightening of a scar tissue layer (called a capsule) that always forms around breast implants upon healing. Despite numerous theories and lots of research, we still don't know the exact cause of this contracture (tightening) of the scar capsule, why it occurs or doesn't in some individuals, or how to completely prevent the problem. We do know that capsule formation is a normal part of your body's healing around a foreign object. Over the years, surgeons discovered that placement of the implants behind the pectoral muscle offers significant protection against this scar tissue tightening, so this has become the norm for most surgeons. Also, for many patients implants placed behind the muscle look more natural because your own breast and fatty tissue camouflage the border of the implants. So a more natural appearance and softer breasts are considered advantages of submuscular placement. However, this is a more extensive surgery than placement just behind the breast, with more pain in the first few days post op, and some people may notice a strange "jiggling" or "rippling" of the breast when the pectoral muscle is flexed strongly. Although this does not occur often, it can be upsetting to some patients, especially body builders. That is why for some patients who are fitness buffs or body builders, surgeons will discuss the option of placing the implants over the muscles, as long as the patient accepts the increased risk of scar capsule tightening.
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February 9, 2017
Answer: Pros and Cons of Silicone Implant Placement Over or Under the Muscle When breast enlargement with implants first became popular, the implants were placed just behind the breast on top of the pectoral muscle. With time, it became obvious that there was a high occurrence of hardening of the implants due to tightening of a scar tissue layer (called a capsule) that always forms around breast implants upon healing. Despite numerous theories and lots of research, we still don't know the exact cause of this contracture (tightening) of the scar capsule, why it occurs or doesn't in some individuals, or how to completely prevent the problem. We do know that capsule formation is a normal part of your body's healing around a foreign object. Over the years, surgeons discovered that placement of the implants behind the pectoral muscle offers significant protection against this scar tissue tightening, so this has become the norm for most surgeons. Also, for many patients implants placed behind the muscle look more natural because your own breast and fatty tissue camouflage the border of the implants. So a more natural appearance and softer breasts are considered advantages of submuscular placement. However, this is a more extensive surgery than placement just behind the breast, with more pain in the first few days post op, and some people may notice a strange "jiggling" or "rippling" of the breast when the pectoral muscle is flexed strongly. Although this does not occur often, it can be upsetting to some patients, especially body builders. That is why for some patients who are fitness buffs or body builders, surgeons will discuss the option of placing the implants over the muscles, as long as the patient accepts the increased risk of scar capsule tightening.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
July 12, 2014
Answer: What are the pros and cons of placing silicone implants over or under the muscle? It is impossible to give an accurate assessment of what you would be a candidate for without examining you or at least seeing the photos. Generally speaking if you have very little breast tissue or some-but perky-- you might be a good candidate for placement under the muscle. Sometimes if a patient is a candidate for a lift--and the nipples do not point down)- but wants only increase in volume -- then the implants ( preferably -silicone) can be placed over the muscle.Breast implants were universally silicone and were placed over the muscle since the beginning in the 1960s. Under the muscle became popular in the 90s when only saline was used and wrinkling was prominent.Seek an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for in person consultation.
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July 12, 2014
Answer: What are the pros and cons of placing silicone implants over or under the muscle? It is impossible to give an accurate assessment of what you would be a candidate for without examining you or at least seeing the photos. Generally speaking if you have very little breast tissue or some-but perky-- you might be a good candidate for placement under the muscle. Sometimes if a patient is a candidate for a lift--and the nipples do not point down)- but wants only increase in volume -- then the implants ( preferably -silicone) can be placed over the muscle.Breast implants were universally silicone and were placed over the muscle since the beginning in the 1960s. Under the muscle became popular in the 90s when only saline was used and wrinkling was prominent.Seek an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for in person consultation.
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