Implant Placement

The placement of the implant will greatly depend on the result that you want, especially in regards to texture and shape.

Sub-glandular implant placement position the implant over the pectoral muscles, but under the glands in the breast. This particular implant positioning is used to improve sag and has less pain and recovery time associated with it. However, it has a number of drawbacks. First, this positioning makes it easier to detect the implant either by touch or by sight. This is especially true when the patient has little breast tissue or is very thin. It also makes breast exams more difficult, and requires more views of the breast to ensure the breast is healthy.

Sub-pectoral only placement is a half in, half out placement. Here the implant is positioned under the pectoralis major muscle. This positioning gives a result that has better cleavage. One of the drawbacks to this procedure is that there is more work involved for the doctor. They have to manually separate the pectoralis major muscle from the pectoralis minor muscle in order to insert the implant. This positioning under only the pectoralis major muscle will not completely cover the implant and will result in an unnatural contraction of the muscle during exercising. Many patients have stated that it took them quite a while to get use to the sensation of the pectoralis major contraction over the implant, especially when lifting weights and swimming.

Full sub-muscular placement involves the separation of the pectoralis major from the pectoralis minor muscle like the sub-pectoral only placement, but it also involves the separation of the pectoralis muscle from the chest wall, the separation of the fascia from the muscle, and the manipulation of the serratus muscle fascia. These added surgical procedures provide a more secure and stable location for the implant, and a more natural feel when the muscles are in action. This decreases visible rippling of the implant, and increases support of the implant. You should note here that a large implant may not be completely covered or supported by this procedure, but it will provide more coverage and support than a sub-pectoral only placement. You should also note that there is a risk of damaging or cutting the Cooper’s ligaments during this procedure, which can result in substantial drooping of the breast tissues.