Which Implant Placement Provides the Most Natural Look?
When contemplating breast augmentation, there are several important factors that need to be considered, such as the type and shape of your implants, the size of your implants, and even the particular incision technique that will be employed during surgery. Another critical factor that can have a significant effect on the final outcome of your procedure is the specific positioning of your breast implants. More specifically, should your implants be placed above or below the pectoral muscle to achieve the most natural-looking results?
For qualified patients, placing breast implants above the muscle (submammary position) can often create exceptional results. In addition to enhanced implant mobility, a chief advantage of this implant location may include a reduced, more comfortable recovery period since the pectoral muscle remains intact during the procedure. The drawback, however, is that you need to have an ample amount of skin and/or breast tissue to cover the implant in order to be considered a good candidate for submammary placement. Without adequate soft tissue coverage, the implants may be very evident, and the chance of developing noticeable rippling can increase considerably.
Should you have a sufficient amount of skin and breast tissue, positioning implants underneath the muscle (subpectoral/submuscular placement) can often produce extremely natural-looking results. Key advantages of this implant location can include greater soft tissue coverage, a diminished risk of noticeable rippling and/or capsular contracture, and more support for the weight of the implants. Additionally, mammogram accuracy may also be improved since exterior breast tissues are less obstructed when the implant is located beneath the pectoral muscle.
Ultimately, both implant placement options have pros and cons, all of which can be discussed in thorough detail during a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. Once these advantages and disadvantages have been covered, your surgeon can help you decide which location may be able to help you achieve the most natural-looking results based on your unique needs and goals.