Along with the type and size of breast implant you’d like as part of your breast augmentation, the placement of the implant, either under-the-muscle or over-the-muscle, is another decision you’ll need to make ahead of your surgery. With this guide, we’ll explain the difference between the two placements and what you’ll need to consider when deciding which is best for you.
No implant placement is best, and what is right for one person may be different to another. When considering whether under-the-muscle or over-the-muscle implants are best suited to you in achieving your desired results, you’ll need to consider your natural breast size/amount of breast tissue you have.
If your breasts are naturally larger, breast implants over the muscle (sub-glandular technique) will probably be best for you. However, over-the-muscle implants are not recommended for women with very little natural breast tissue. If your breasts are smaller, implants under the muscle will likely be best.
What’s the Difference Between Under-the-Muscle & Over-the-Muscle Implants?
Breast Implants Over The Muscle
The sub-glandular technique involves placing the breast implant over the pectoral muscle. With this technique, the muscle doesn’t have to be manipulated or stretched over the implant, with the muscle providing internal support for the implant – the implant mimicking natural breast tissue.
Benefits of over-the-muscle implants include:
- Less invasive surgery (muscle not moved or cut in any way)
- Shorter recovery time
- Enhanced breast projection
Breast implants over-the-muscle are therefore best suited to those who:
- Have larger breasts/more breast tissue
- Want more pronounced-looking breasts
- Want larger implants
It’s vital that the implants are properly sized prior to surgery. Your Enhance Medical team will have advised and guided you throughout the consultation phase to ensure that the most appropriately sized implants have been selected. Once this has been agreed upon it’s down to the surgeon to position the implants correctly to achieve a more natural appearance if that’s what you’re looking for.
Breast Implants Under The Muscle
The original technique used during breast augmentation procedures, the submuscular technique involves placing the implant underneath the skin, fat, glands, and in between the greater pectoral muscle and the smaller pectoral muscle. Placing the implant in between the two muscles allows the implant to remain isolated from the natural breast tissue.
The benefits of under-the-muscle implants include:
- Reduced risk of capsular contracture (scar tissue formation around the implant) as the muscle acts as a barrier between the implant and breast tissue.
- The muscles provide strong support for the implant and help keep it in place
- Creates a smoother line from the chest wall to the implant, helping to achieve a more natural result
Under-the-muscle implants remain a popular choice for many women and are best suited to those who:
- Have naturally smaller breasts and less breast tissue
- Desire a natural look with their breast augmentation
Differences in Surgical Technique and Recovery Time
Before reaching your final decision it’s worth considering the differences in the surgical procedure itself and the recovery period post-surgery.
Whilst your results will be more natural looking, as the implant will be largely covered by the major pectoral muscle and from the outside the visible signs of the implant will be minimal, the procedure itself is more invasive when placing the implant under-the-muscle. The major muscle must be cut in order to put the implant in place. Following the procedure, you may notice that the implants distort a little as the chest muscles contract. You may also experience some loss of strength in this area for a while. Recovery times tend to be longer with this type of implant placement and more uncomfortable due to the more complex surgery, so make sure you prepare for this before you book any type of procedure.
Wherever the implant has been placed, it is vital that you follow post-operative care advice from the professionals. Discomfort and pain are quite normal and can be effectively managed with painkillers. Usually, paracetamol or ibuprofen will be sufficient, but in some cases, morphine may be prescribed. To give yourself the best chance of a smooth, successful recovery, you will be directed not to change your bra for seven days and to wear any other recovery garment suggested. This will ensure your breasts are kept in position as they heal. You will need to keep the wound dry, and advice will be given on the best way to achieve this when showering. Exercise is to be avoided for 6-12 weeks, depending on your individual case, and flying after 2 – 6 weeks is possible, again depending upon your individual circumstances. It’s vitally important that you attend all wound care appointments, as this will allow you to ask any questions. It will also give you peace of mind to know that you are being carefully monitored – your recovery is as important as the procedure itself.
Things to Consider When Choosing Implant Placement
Understanding the difference between placing breast implants over-the-muscle or under-the-muscle – you’ll need to consider the following before making your final decision with the advice and support of your surgeon:
- The size of your natural breasts/the amount of breast tissue you have
- The size of the implants you’d like
- Whether you want a natural or projected look post-augmentation
- Surgery and recovery time
Safe, High Quality & Affordable Breast Implants with Enhance Medical
When you approach the team at Enhance Medical Group, you will find them knowledgeable and understanding. There is unlikely to be any question that they haven’t had to answer before. So, if you want to know more about the pros and cons of placing the breast implant under the muscle vs over, just ask. You will get honest, easy to digest answers and no procedure will be planned until you are completely comfortable with all aspects of the treatment. When you are confident that you understand the implications of both procedures then you and your surgeon can decide upon the most suitable course of action.
Enhance Medical Group are renowned for providing honest, helpful advice both before and after surgery. The Enhance Boob Buddies are a fountain of knowledge and you’ll be getting first-hand, truthful accounts of their experiences. You will never be left feeling as though you don’t have all the information you need. Enhance is dedicated to providing the best pre and post-operative care to every individual, which is why so many of their previous clients are happy to sing their praises. Whatever you’re considering, you need to speak to Enhance Medical before making any decisions. They will be delighted to hear from you.
