Age 30, Is there a submuscular option that impacts athletic performance less than others?

Question

30yo athletic female, prior implants that were since removed, consulting for having implants placed again: Is there a submuscular option that impacts athletic performance less than others? With my previous implants which were submuscular, I remember my strength being greatly affected. Can I hope for this to be any different with an alternative method?

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi HNM224,
it sounds like you had a prior submuscular augmentation. Subsequently, your implants were removed. It would be important to understand what was done with the muscle at the time of removal. Most submuscular options will routinely divide the rib origin of the muscle, to the junction with the sternum. Many surgeons will repair this muscle at the time of explantation. prior to another consultation, I would suggest getting the original operative notes for the augmentation, and from the implant removal, to share with your future surgeon.
For athletic women, a subfascial (below the muscle covering, but above the muscle itself) position can minimize alterations in muscle function. Alternatively,especially for very thin women, a split muscle technique can be used to provide muscle coverage in the upper inner breast where the implant is potentially most visible, but using the subfascial plane in the lower outer breast.
I hope this helps, and best of luck.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding implant placement.

There are 2 options when placing a breast implant: submuscular (under the muscle) or sub glandular (above the muscle).

I recommend talking about this with your plastic surgeon as both have their own pros and cons. Your surgeon knows your history and your goals best and can help decide what is best for you.

Hope this helps!

Saad Alsubaie, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

For the right candidate, placing the breast implants above the muscle but under the fascia ( the lining layer that covers the muscle ) can provide great alternative to underneath the muscle placement (submascular) . This technique is different than under the gland placement (sub glandular or simply above the muscle) since the surgeon will need to meticulously place the implants accurately underneath the fascia but above the muscle.

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. With all sub muscular options, the muscle is lifted off of the chest wall to varying degrees. However, it is ALWAYS lifted. Another option, for you may be putting an implant in front of the muscle, and combining the approach with fat grafting, a hybrid breast augmentation. This has the benefit of having an implant that does not require lifting of the muscle, and the fat grafting does a good job of camouflaging the implant while adding some additional volume so as to be able to use a smaller implant. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear moriahh20,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Age 30, Is there a submuscular option that impacts athletic performance less than others?

Answers (9)

Answer: Implant

Answer: Implant

Answer: Implant placement

Answer: Implant placement

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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

Age 30, Is there a submuscular option that impacts athletic performance less than others?

Answers (9)

Answer: Implant

Answer: Implant

Answer: Implant placement

Answer: Implant placement

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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