Which Breast Implant Location Is Right For Me?
Jul 07, 2022
There are 3 common locations for implant placement during breast augmentation:
The sub-glandular breast augmentation is suitable in patients with adequate native breast tissue that helps conceal the implant and prevent the appearance of any abnormal contours of the breast. To determine if a patient is appropriate for a sub-glandular augmentation, a pinch test is performed to see if there is at least 2 cm of breast tissue between the fingers.
A potential downside of the sub-glandular pocket location is the development of a capsular contracture. This refers to the capsule or scar that forms around the implant. There are varying degrees in severity of capsular contracture, and it is one of the most common complications following breast augmentation surgery.
A problematic capsule is one that causes deformity of the breast, is firm to the touch, or is even painful. The treatment varies depending on the patient and severity of the capsule but can include surgical release of the contracted capsule (capsulotomy) to provide the implant with more room and soften the breast or total removal of the capsule (capsulectomy). These cases often involve removal and replacement of implants or removal of the implants altogether. The proposed causes of capsular contracture include infection, implant rupture, history of radiation, autoimmune conditions, or idiopathic (unknown).
Sub-muscular implants have an advantage over sub-glandular implants as they commonly are associated with a lower rate of capsular contracture.
Sub-muscular placement is also more desirable in patients with very little or thin breast tissue. The sub-muscular position helps conceal the implant and provides a more natural feeling breast.
Disadvantages of the sub-muscular breast implant location include animation deformity in some patients, which refers to the notable movement of the implant with flexing of the pectoralis muscle. There can also be an increase in post-operative pain associated with the sub-muscular pocket creation as compared to the sub-glandular position.
The “dual plane approach” is when the sub-muscular breast implant location can be partially covered by the muscle instead of completely covered by the muscle. Your plastic surgeon will determine the best approach when deciding on sub-muscular placement to optimize the relationship between the pectoralis muscle, breast tissue, and implant.
Sub-fascial breast augmentation has gained more popularity in the last few years, but this technique has been around for quite some time.
This approach is popular at Oceana Aesthetics as it offers the best of the sub-glandular and sub-muscular techniques with a better risk profile. It is our opinion that sub-fascial breast augmentation can be suitable for a majority of patients.
This pocket location is created between the muscle and the overlying fascia, which is a strong, fibrous tissue. The plane is fairly bloodless, relatively easy dissection, and research has shown it to be less painful than sub-muscular approaches. The underlying muscle is not violated during pocket dissection.
It is advantageous over sub-glandular implants as the fascia acts almost as an internal bra to support and conceal the implant. Literature also suggests there is a lower rate of capsular contracture formation with sub-fascial implants compared to sub-glandular implants.
If you’re considering breast augmentation, Oceana Aesthetics can help. Call at (772) 324-9515 or send us an email at info@oceanaaesthetics.com. We’re happy to set up a consultation with our team. We serve patients throughout Central and South Florida.