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

Implants are placed in 3 places. One is behind the breast which will not affect your muscles, but may be more noticeable. They can be placed behind the muscle for better coverage and support and more upper breast fullness and less sagging over time, but may interfere with activities. Or, they can be placed behind the fascia, the firm covering of the muscle, but not the muscle itself, for some coverage and less muscle interference. Not all surgeons use the subfascial plane. If you have enough tissue, place the implants behind the breasts only.

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

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!