When people consider breast augmentation, they mostly think about what size and shape they want their implants to be. However, there’s another aspect they should consider: placement.
In short, breast implants are typically placed either under the pectoral muscle (called submuscular or subpectoral placement) or between the breast tissue and pectoral muscle (called subglandular or submammary placement). Colloquially, these two options are known as “under the muscle” and “over the muscle” placement.
At his Milwaukee, Wisconsin practice, Dr. Mark Bosbous has helped countless people get the breast augmentation procedure they’ve always wanted. In the process of doing this, he’s helped patients determine which option — over the muscle or under the muscle — is best for them.
Generally, this involves looking at a patient’s anatomy, tissue coverage, desired look, and activity level to provide an accurate and effective recommendation.
In this piece, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these two options and how you can get the look you’ve always wanted.
What Does ‘Over the Muscle’ Mean?
Simply put, an “over the muscle” implant sits behind the tissue of the breast, but in front of the pectoral muscle.
Some opt for this style of implant for a few reasons. To start, it may offer less postoperative discomfort in the time immediately following the procedure. This is because the chest muscle is not lifted to make the implant pocket.
An “over the muscle” implant may also have less visible movement during chest-muscle activity, as the implant is not being compressed by the muscle.
That said, this sort of procedure isn’t for everyone. When natural breast tissue is minimal, an implant placed over the muscle may be more visible or likely to show rippling. “Rippling” is when wrinkles or folds emerge in the area surrounding a breast implant.
Over the muscle implants may be best for those with good skin quality and enough breast tissue to cover and support the implant. However, one should discuss their desires and concerns with their surgeon in order to determine which option is best for them.
What Does ‘Under the Muscle’ Mean?
“Under the muscle” does not necessarily mean that the implant is placed entirely under the pectoral muscle. In reality, it means that at least part of the implant is under the muscle — though how much of the implant is under the muscle can vary from procedure to procedure.
Today, many “under the muscle” augmentations are not entirely under the muscle. Often, surgeons go for a partial submuscular or “dual-plane” approach; this is when the upper portion of the implant is placed under the muscle while the lower portion sits under the breast tissue and over the muscle.
Surgeons and patients like this approach because it can soften the transition between the chest wall and implant, making the implant appear more natural. This style of breast augmentation is also thought to be less prone to rippling.
There are some tradeoffs with this style of procedure. Patients have reported more early discomfort and longer recovery times with under the muscle implants than over the muscle, and those who do frequent chest exercises may find that the implant looks or feels unnatural with movement.
Over the years, “under the muscle” implants have become more popular, while “over the muscle” implants have faded. That does not mean that one is inherently better than the other; during your consultation, a surgeon like Dr. Mark Bosbous will explain the benefits and drawbacks of each option and provide you with a recommendation as to which version is best for you.
Is One Safer Than the Other?
No placement is universally regarded as “safer” than the other. There are advantages and disadvantages for each option, of which your surgeon will make you aware during your pre-surgery discussions.
During this consultation process, your surgeon will look at a variety of factors in order to determine which option is best for you. This can include your health history, the quality of your current breast tissue, the type of implant you want, and more.
It should be noted that breast augmentation is incredibly common and widely regarded as safe, no matter which placement is employed. As long as one follows their surgeon’s recommendations, they are likely to have a successful breast augmentation, no matter which placement they use.
If you’re interested in breast augmentation, reach out to the team of Dr. Mark Bosbous today. They can work with you and help you get the look you’ve always wanted.