Is it true your implant will look smaller when if are placed under the muscle?

Question

I've seen a photo of a girl who tried on a 325 sizer in a photo.. got 325 under the muscle and the photo after she looked exactly the same. so is it not true that you look smaller under the muscle?? so if you like 300cc should you get 300cc because they don't "shrink" under the muscle

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Nikki,Your statement is true as the pressure off the muscle exerted on the Implant will make it look smaller. Theoretically if a patient had the same size implants over or under the muscle she would look smaller with Implants under the muscle. You are best to see a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in this procedure to undergo an examination and preferably have a 3-D VECTRA imaging to simulate your Implant and Breast size after the procedure.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

I believe that implant sizes that are placed to judge final implant surgery size are just a predictor of final shape and size. The Sizer is on top of the skin underneath the bra and is not influenced by the skin and muscle to decrease the projection of the implant. I typically increase the size by at least 50 mL based on the final size or picked. Earl Stephenson Jr MD DDS FACS

Todd B. Koch, MD · Answer

Breast implants will appear slightly smaller when placed under the muscle. If you like a 300cc implant when you trial an implant in your plastic surgeon"s office then you will need around a 325cc implant to provide the same size.  The muscle acts to compress the implant and makes it appear smaller.  Generally there is around a 25cc difference between implants placed under versus on top of the muscle.

John T. Lettieri, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.For most of my patients, probably more than 90%, placing implants under the muscle is the best option. It should not result in any smaller of an appearance compared to putting the implants above the muscle.There are many advantages to having  implants under the muscle including smoother contour, generally less risk of scar formation, and more safety with a breast lift if this is ever needed in the future, among others.Don't hesitate to have implants under the muscle if this is what your surgeon recommends.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Initially after breast augmentation using the sub-muscular technique the chest muscle does compress the implant and make it look smaller.However after 3-6 months once the implants have adjusted to your body and dropped on the chest the full size of the implant should be evident.If you are concerned about this then and 25 cc to the breast implant size because it will help you relax and 25 cc is just about 2 tablespoons and will not make a significant difference.

Is it true your implant will look smaller when if are placed under the muscle?

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast size with implants under the muscle

Answer: Breast size with implants under the muscle

Answer: Breast implants do not shrink under the muscle

Answer: Breast implants do not shrink under the muscle

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Is it true your implant will look smaller when if are placed under the muscle?

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast size with implants under the muscle

Answer: Breast size with implants under the muscle

Answer: Breast implants do not shrink under the muscle

Answer: Breast implants do not shrink under the muscle

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.