How common is the split muscle technique with breast implants?

Dear LexieCooper,

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

This technique actually has been done for a while, but not really discussed that much until recently. It is trying to keep the advantage of muscle coverage of the upper breast implant, but decrease the amount of muscle tissue over the implant to decrease the amount of movement when the muscle contracts. If you are very thin with little breast tissue, it won't work as well as regular muscle coverage.

This is not a new technique and has been around for over 15 years. It is done to prevent animation with total submuscular placement of implants. Your board certified plastic surgeon is familiar with the technique.