Is there a way to decrease the gap between my breasts and still have an implant under the muscle?

Question

I recently had a consultation with a plastic surgeon in town. I have a 5 cm gap between my breasts which he said was very large. I have a small amount of breast tissue and he said that his plan was to put the implant on top of the muscle to decrease the gap. My mom and aunt both had breast cancer so I worry about decreased detection when the implant is on the muscle. My moms mammography doctors each told her that they would tell their daughter it isn't worth the risk if it's not under the muscle.

Chad K. Wheeler, MD · Answer

Sub pectoral implants will limit how close together the breasts can be in some one with a wide sternum.  However any augmentation will narrow it some what just more so with a placement on top of the muscle.  Mammography is slightly improved with a sub pectoral placement as the images can see the edges better the further the breast tissue is from the implant.  It sounds like there is no perfect solution but rather a situation with pluses and minuses on each side.  I am sure your doctor would be willing to the augmentation either way based on your preferences.

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

I prefer to still go behind the muscle even in these types of situations- I think you could still get a very nice result with this pocket, in particular with silicone implants.great question and good luck!  Dr S

Mary Gingrass, MD · Answer

With your family history I would recommend subpectiral placement of implants. It sounds like you should have the implants there anyway if you are thin and have minimal Breast tissue and a wide inter mammary distance. A well done subpectoral aug will improve the gap.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

With proper implant width and placement, your can decrease your sternal gap slightly with an under the muscle breast augmentation. However, safety (unimpeded mammography) is more important than perfection in your elective breast augmentation surgery. So stay with an under the muscle approach and accept that there will be a large gap between the augmented breasts.

Norman G. Morrison, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Placing the implant
under the pectoral muscle or what we call subpectoral implant may not produce
the same result as when the implant is placed on top of the muscle. However, if you are worried about having a
problem with a mammography later on with an implant on top of your muscle, then
you should certainly choose the subpectoral implant. An option is to increase the size of the
implants, however this would not guarantee that you will have satisfying
results.The presence of a cleavage will
still depend on your natural bone structure, which cannot be surgically
corrected. You should discuss your
concern further with your surgeon.

Is there a way to decrease the gap between my breasts and still have an implant under the muscle?

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast Augmentation and Large Sternal Gap

Answer: Breast Augmentation and Large Sternal Gap

Answer: The presence of a cleavage will still depend on your natural bone structure

Answer: The presence of a cleavage will still depend on your natural bone structure

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.

Is there a way to decrease the gap between my breasts and still have an implant under the muscle?

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast Augmentation and Large Sternal Gap

Answer: Breast Augmentation and Large Sternal Gap

Answer: The presence of a cleavage will still depend on your natural bone structure

Answer: The presence of a cleavage will still depend on your natural bone structure

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.