Does submuscular or dual plane placement reduce strength significantly? (Photo)

Question

I am competitive sportswomen and seriously considering a breast augmentationafterhaving kids. I compete in triathlon and also love strength work in the gym. My main concern is loss of strength in the pectoralis muscles. Would dual plane placement or sub muscular implant placement result in the least loss of strength long term? Also, I very much dislike excessive ‘bouncing’ when running. What placement minimise bounce and long term sagging best?

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I have several triple crown body builders who said they had no loss of strength. I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. 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, and they choose what looks right for them. 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. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Both sub muscular and dual plane approaches place the implants under the muscle.  Studies show that strength is not significantly impaired with either approach.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, 
Neither submuscular or dual plane is shown to reduce strength significantly. However, if you choose submuscular I recommend absolutely no chest butterfly exercises or bench press. The muscle will be pushing against the implant and can cause it to bottom out, shift to the side, etc. Since you are active I may suggest rethinking to subfascia placement(on top of the muscle) where there is no limitations for excersises and less chance of the implant displacement.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Because the dual plane method involves detaching a portion of the pectoral muscle, it does result in weakening of the muscle. This may or may not be significant, but there is also the potential for animation deformity. The other method of placing implants under muscle is the split muscle plane, which does not require detaching the muscle. Your safest bet might be stick to a smaller implant and go subfascial.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Bright100241,
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

Does submuscular or dual plane placement reduce strength significantly? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Dual plane/submuscular implants and muscle function

Answer: Dual plane/submuscular implants and muscle function

Answer: Implant placement

Answer: Implant placement

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Does submuscular or dual plane placement reduce strength significantly? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Dual plane/submuscular implants and muscle function

Answer: Dual plane/submuscular implants and muscle function

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.