A breast augmentation placement has two options, breast implants can go either below or above the muscle. There are pluses and minuses for both and not everyone is a candidate for either one. Let’s discuss more about the benefits of above and below the muscle.
Above the Muscle Breast Implant
Above the muscles gives you a little more lift, you need a little tissue coverage or natural breast tissue in the top portion of the breast. There is a higher risk of capsular contracture after surgery (3-5%). Capsular contracture is excessive or firm scar tissue around the implant. Depending on the choice and size of breast implant, a small incision is made either at the crease of the breast, or by the areola.
Below the Muscle Breast Implant
Breast implants below the muscle help camouflage the upper portion of the breast implant. This is a better option for those who are smaller chested and have less breast tissue. It may cause a bit of animation deformity, meaning deformity characterized by breast implant movement when the muscle of the chest, the pectoralis, contracts.
A breast implant below the muscle has less risk of capsular contracture after surgery. Breast implants that go below the muscle are almost always inserted through a small incision at the fold of the breast, often camouflaged by the breast crease. There is also less risk for long term drooping of the implant when it is placed under the muscle.
Types Of Implants
A patient may choose from three options of breast implants: silicone, “gummy bear” silicone, or saline.
- Silicone: Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel and is said to feel the most like natural breast tissue.
- Gummy Bear: Gummy bear breast implants can be shaped or round. They are form-stable or highly cohesive silicone implants and will not leak if the implant shell breaks.
- Saline: Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater at the time of surgery and make it easy to identify a leak.
Take the Next Step
If you are ready to learn more about breast augmentation, it is time to take the next step and schedule a consultation. Dr. Jamie Moenster at Dermatology & Plastic Surgery of Arizona would love to meet with you and help you begin your journey. Fill out the form on this page or call our Tucson location at 520-207-3100 or our Sierra Vista location at 520-458-1787. We look forward to meeting you soon.