What is the difference between partial submuscular and dual plane techniques for breast implants? I am trying to avoid a lift, and I keep reading that the dual plane approach is a good option. But I feel like the term 'dual plane' might just be a marketing approach and is the same as partial sub-muscular?
April 27, 2015
Answer: Dual plane vs partial submuscular Thank you for your question. What you are describing is basically the same technique. In complete submuscular augmentation, the implant is placed under the pectoralis major muscle superiorly and medially (toward the middle) and by the serratus anterior muscle inferiorly and laterally (toward the outside). This is rarely performed nowadays. Most augmentations are placed in the subpectoral pocket and are considered partial submuscular because only the medial and superior portions of the implant are covered by the muscle. Dual plane refers to technique that differentially releases more of the muscle from the overlying gland. The more extensive a dual plane procedure, the more the pectoralis muscle raises superiorly and the less the implant is covered but the muscle. The advantage of a dual plane technique is that it can allow a borderline ptosis (sagging) patient avoid a breast lift by allowing the implant to stretch more of the breast gland inferiorly and allow for a slight nipple/areolar lift into a more centered position on the implant. The down side is potentially less coverage of the implant with muscle. Best to be seen in person to see if you are a candidate for a dual plane augmentation without a breast lift. Good luck.
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April 27, 2015
Answer: Dual plane vs partial submuscular Thank you for your question. What you are describing is basically the same technique. In complete submuscular augmentation, the implant is placed under the pectoralis major muscle superiorly and medially (toward the middle) and by the serratus anterior muscle inferiorly and laterally (toward the outside). This is rarely performed nowadays. Most augmentations are placed in the subpectoral pocket and are considered partial submuscular because only the medial and superior portions of the implant are covered by the muscle. Dual plane refers to technique that differentially releases more of the muscle from the overlying gland. The more extensive a dual plane procedure, the more the pectoralis muscle raises superiorly and the less the implant is covered but the muscle. The advantage of a dual plane technique is that it can allow a borderline ptosis (sagging) patient avoid a breast lift by allowing the implant to stretch more of the breast gland inferiorly and allow for a slight nipple/areolar lift into a more centered position on the implant. The down side is potentially less coverage of the implant with muscle. Best to be seen in person to see if you are a candidate for a dual plane augmentation without a breast lift. Good luck.
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April 28, 2015
Answer: Dual Plane vs Submuscular Hi and thank you for your questions. Dual plane and partial submuscular really mean the same thing. The difference is that dual plane is a more specific term and has 3 different variations depending on how the muscle is separated from the breast tissue. Depending on your degree of sagging beforehand, a dual plane approach is a great option for excellent results. Best to speak with a board certified plastic surgeon in person who can better discuss your options. Good Luck!
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April 28, 2015
Answer: Dual Plane vs Submuscular Hi and thank you for your questions. Dual plane and partial submuscular really mean the same thing. The difference is that dual plane is a more specific term and has 3 different variations depending on how the muscle is separated from the breast tissue. Depending on your degree of sagging beforehand, a dual plane approach is a great option for excellent results. Best to speak with a board certified plastic surgeon in person who can better discuss your options. Good Luck!
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