Submuscular breast augmentation on slightly saggy breasts? (Photo)

Question

I am a 39 year old mom of 2. I breastfed each for 2 years so my breasts are deflated. I am looking to get 500cc silicone breast implants. I would like to get them under the muscle. I don't mind where they sit, I just want them full. So, I don't want a lift. However, I do wonder if there is a high chance the the implants would not drop low enough to meet the natural breast tissue.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Bktucker,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! I think as long as you are comfortable with your nipples always sitting a little lower on the breast mound, you will be fine. Good luck!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Mildly Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are mildly droopy, a saline or silicone gel implant placed behind the pectoral muscle might help create the illusion of perkiness. That’s because as the implant fills out the top of the breast, it also fills out the bottom, making it look as if the nipple has moved higher. It hasn’t. You can always get a lift later if you feel you are not perky enough when fully settled and healed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Jared Blau, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. We place the implants with the bottom of the implant at the natural crease. The implant won't drop into the breast tissue, it will settle into its pocket, but without a lift the breast tissue may "fall off" the implant and the nipple position, being lower than the middle of the breast, will still be low.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

500 cc implants are large and weigh over 1 lb each.  When placed in the submuscular position, they will extrude inferiorly and laterally and your breasts will bottom out and possibly give you a double bubble appearance.  I recommend smaller implants with a circumareola approach.  At that time, excess skin can be removed to lift the nipple-areola complexes higher and more medial and implants placed.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Submuscular breast augmentation on slightly saggy breasts? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Implant position

Answer: Implant position

Answer: Smaller implants with circumareola lift

Answer: Smaller implants with circumareola lift

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.

Submuscular breast augmentation on slightly saggy breasts? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Implant position

Answer: Implant position

Answer: Smaller implants with circumareola lift

Answer: Smaller implants with circumareola lift

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.