When planning your breast augmentation with Dr. Davis, one important decision you will have to make is where your breast implants will be placed. You have two main options: submuscular, or “under the muscle” placement, or subglandular, or “over the muscle” placement. Each technique comes with its own set of benefits, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific goals and natural anatomy.
While Dr. Davis will guide your decision based on his years of expertise and professional opinion, having an idea of the basic differences between submuscular and subglandular implant placements can help you feel more informed going into your consultation.
What Does “Under the Muscle” Placement Mean?
With submuscular, or “under the muscle” implant placement, Dr. Davis positions the breast implants under both the natural breast tissue and the chest muscle. This technique is often the best choice for women with smaller amounts of natural breast tissue and those who have chosen saline implants. This is because the extra layer of muscle tissue on top of the breast implant helps to create a smoother and more natural-looking appearance.
Research has shown that submuscular implant placement can also reduce the risk of capsular contracture, a compilation where scar tissue tightens around the implant. However, because the muscle is involved in this technique, “under the muscle” breast augmentation can require a slightly longer recovery process than with the “over the muscle” technique.
What Does “Over the Muscle” Placement Mean?
Subglandular, or “over the muscle” placement involves positioning the breast implants directly behind the breast tissue but above the chest muscle. Women with larger amounts of natural breast tissue and those opting for silicone implants may be good candidates for subglandular implant placement. Additionally, athletes or bodybuilders may opt for this technique because it does not interfere with muscle movement at all.
While subglandular breast implant placement can come with a slightly shorter recovery period compared to submuscular implants because it doesn’t affect the muscle tissue, it may increase the risk of rippling or complications like capsular contracture.
Which Technique Is Right for You?
While many of Dr. Davis’s Nashville breast augmentation patients choose submuscular implant placement, there are certain circumstances where the subglandular technique might make the most sense. The best breast implant placement technique for you will depend on a number of factors, including your natural body shape and type, breast implant size and type and your personal goals.
During your consultation, Dr. Davis will discuss these options with you in more detail, outlining the pros and cons of each one in your particular situation. He will also provide his professional recommendation on the best breast implant placement location as well as other breast augmentation techniques for you.
Learn More
If you still have questions about your breast augmentation options and would like to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Davis to discuss, please call our Nashville office at 615-327-7407 or easily get in touch with us online. Our friendly team is always happy to help!
Author: Dr. Stephen M. Davis
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen M. Davis and his experienced team are committed to total patient satisfaction and excellent results. Green Hills Plastic Surgery first opened its doors in Nashville, TN in 1998 and continues to provide patients with time-honored plastic surgery procedures at TriStar Centennial Medical Center.
