Breast Implant Placement

Are you thinking about a breast implant placement over or under the muscle?

Dr. Chen Lee will use one of the skin incisions described in the section on Breast Augmentation Incisions to surgically create a soft tissue pocket for the breast implant. A breast implant is placed and positioned within the pocket to enlarge the breast. An accurately dissected pocket with a well-positioned breast implant centered beneath the nipple finalizes the pleasing contours of breast augmentation. During your consultation, Dr. Chen Lee will explain whether it is best to create a subglandular (over the muscle) or subpectoral (under the muscle) pocket.

Why place the breast implant over the muscle?

An over-the-muscle pocket dissection is created by the surgical elevation of the mammary gland (breast) from the chest wall and pectoral muscle. This is also known as submammary or subglandular breast augmentation. Advantages include less pain, better projection, and a breast implant that does not move with pectoral contraction. It is well suited in patients with a good breast envelope or in those who choose silicone breast implants. Potential disadvantages include visible implant (rippling, wrinkles) and palpability of the underlying implant edges. Over the muscle, placement should be avoided in women with thin soft tissue breast envelopes or in patients planning saline breast augmentations (rippling).

Why place the breast implant under the muscle?

Pocket creation under the muscle is also known as submuscular or subpectoral breast augmentation. The pocket is usually created between the major and minor pectoralis muscles. Advantages include better implant coverage. Both rippling and palpability are reduced with the added muscle cover. This is a good choice in thin patients or when saline breast augmentation is planned. Substantial postoperative pain and abnormal breast movement with pectoral contraction are drawbacks.

Dr. Chen Lee will be delighted to meet you. During your visit, your breast measurements will be used to determine whether an above or below-muscle placement of breast implants is best for your breast augmentation.