Breast Implant Placement Options

When undergoing breast augmentation, you will have a choice of two potential breast implant placement options. There are benefits and drawbacks associated with each location, and your decision will greatly impact the final results as well as your recovery time. At your initial consultation with one of our Phoenix plastic surgeons, he will discuss each option with you in great detail and recommend the placement which is best for your unique situation and aesthetic goals.

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You can choose between subglandular placement and submuscular placement. Subglandular placement involves placing the breast implant behind the breast tissue and in front of the pectoral muscle. Benefits to this placement include:

  • Well-defined cleavage
  • Ease of placement
  • Shorter recovery period
  • Ability to use larger breast implants
  • More dramatic results

However, there are some drawbacks to subglandular placement as well. You may experience a greater risk of sagging down the road. Also, the implant may be more visible, and it will be easier to detect any rippling. You may be at greater risk of capsular contracture, a complication which results in hardening of the breast tissue due to excessive scarring.

Submuscular placement involves placing the breast implant behind the pectoral muscle. This provides you with additional support compared to subglandular placement. Other advantages of submuscular placement include:

  • Less likely to experience sagging
  • More natural looking results
  • Rippling not as visible
  • Less risk of capsular contracture
  • Easier to obtain mammogram images

However, there are also certain drawbacks to this placement method. It is more difficult to place breast implants behind the muscle than in front of it. There are also limitations on the size of the implant you can use, and you may experience a longer recovery period.

Ultimately, you must be comfortable with the breast implant placement option used. At your breast augmentation consultation, you should ask your surgeon any questions you may have regarding this important choice in order to make an informed decision.

Please contact one of our board certified plastic surgeons today to schedule your initial consultation. Our surgeons serve patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas of Arizona.