Location of Breast Implant

Location of the implant; “Under the muscle or on top of the muscle” is concept is a little complex to understand and we are giving a simplified description here. Basically the implants can be placed in one of two positions on the chest wall. Implants can be placed underneath the breast alone.  This is called “subglandular or submammary placement.”  In the subglandular position, the implant sits on top of the pectoralis muscle and directly underneath the breast tissue.   The other position for implant placement is in the “submuscular position.”  In this situation the implant is placed underneath the pectoralis major muscle and breast tissue.   In the submuscular position the implant sits directly on the chest wall underneath the muscle and breast tissue.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each position for the implant.  If possible we prefer to place the implant under the breast and muscle. (submuscular placement.)   This placement allows for more of your body tissue to cover the implant.  With greater natural tissue coverage of the implant, the implant feels more natural and there is less chance or implant rippling or scar formation.  It is important to know that even in the submuscular position, the pectoralis muscle may not cover the inferior portion of the implant.

Sometimes placing the implant directly under the breast or subglandular position is better for patients.   This position or placement of the implant is sometimes better for patients who have droopy or sagging breasts.  It is also sometimes better for patients who have extremely narrow or tube shaped breasts called tuberous deformity.   There are other reasons for placement in one or the other position and there are variations to the two standard positions.   There is even a position that is half under the muscle and half over the muscle called the “dual plane” position.  This position is a compromise of the benefits of the subglandular position (more lift,) and the submuscular position (more tissue coverage.)  In general, Dr. Smith will help guide you with this decision.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

A woman’s breasts has become an important symbol of femininity and beauty in Las Vegas. It is one of the key features that distinguishes male from female, and as such it is given significant importance. Because of the importance placed on breasts, a woman who does not develop breasts or who develops very small breasts often feels inferior or disadvantaged. She may have difficulty finding clothes that fit or feel embarrassed to wear a swimsuit. Often self-esteem suffers. Sometimes a woman develops one large breast and another small one. This can be a great source of psychological trauma to the woman and a woman may even feel “deformed” or “abnormal.” It is nice to know that for those who desire to have larger or more symmetrical breasts there is a way to accomplish this. After surgery patients typically feel more feminine and more attractive. Clothes fit better and frequently self-esteem increases. Often patients feel it is the very best investment they ever made.

What Breast Implants Can and Can’t Accomplish

Breast implants are used to increase breast size. Sometimes by placing a larger implant on one side, we can help even out breast size and volume. This will help correct asymmetries in terms of size. However, implants will not correct other asymmetries other then breast volume. They will not correct an inverted nipple, a large areola, or drooping breasts. . If the nipple position is different between the two breasts they will not correct this problem. There are techniques to correct this, but not by using breast implants alone. In short breast implants are used to increase volume and that is their main purpose.

Breast Implants Do Not Lift the Breasts

Breast implants do not lift the breasts more than ¾ of an inch. This means breast implants will not lift drooping breasts. If the breasts are drooping they will need some type of a breast lift. Breast implants can fill a deflated breast after pregnancy, but they will not lift the breasts if they are drooping more than an inch.

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