Breast Implant Placement

Breast implant placement is important since that may have other effects: The three areas include subglandular implant placement, partial submuscular implant placement, and complete submuscular implant placement.

Once you have determined the type of breast implant you will be using, the size of those implants, and the type of incision your surgeon will employ, you will also need to consider options for the placement of breast implants. Breast augmentation surgery is not quite as simple as making a cut and sliding in an implant. Instead, there are several options that will impact the way in which an implant is placed and the final look of the implant.

Subglandular Implant Placement

When you and your plastic surgeon agree to subglandular placement of breast implants, your implants will be placed behind the fatty tissue already contained within your breast but in front of your muscular structure and the fibrous tissue that is found along your ribs and the skeletal structure of your chest. Subglandular placement of breast implants has several advantages, including that it is the easiest type of breast augmentation surgery to perform, without the necessity to cut into muscle structures. If future enhancements or access will be necessary, this can most easily be done through subglandular placement of breast implants. Disadvantages to subglandular placement of breast implants include the fact that they possess a less natural feel after the conclusion of surgery. Future mammograms may also be impacted, as subglandular breast implants may block radiography views of affected breast tissue.

Submuscular Implant Placement

Partial

Partial submuscular placement of breast implants involves cutting away part of the pectoralis major muscle that is found behind your breasts. The breast implants are then placed partially within the cut away portion of muscle, and partially extending within the subglandular area behind your nipples. An advantage of partial submuscular placement of breast implants is that a more natural look is attainable since much of the implant is covered by muscle mass and not simply breast tissue. This type of placement also decreases the risk of experiencing capsular contractures. Because the muscle tissue has been cut, this type of surgery has a longer recovery time and greater amount of discomfort or pain.

Complete

If complete submuscular placement is used for the positioning of your breast implant, the entire implant will be situated behind the pectoral muscles found in your chest. This type of placement of breast implants carries the same pros and cons as partial submuscular placement. One advantage to consider is that future mammograms will be easier to take using this type of placement.