Breast Augmentation Over Or Under The Muscle

In general, an under-the-muscle breast augmentation gives more lift and support, especially for larger breasts, but it does not look as natural since some of your natural tissue will be removed to accommodate the implant. An over-the-muscle breast augmentation is less invasive because no muscle is cut away and there’s less risk of capsular contracture (when scar tissue forms around your implants). However, this technique may result in slightly lower cleavage if you don’t have enough natural breast tissue for implant placement underneath your chest muscles (especially true for smaller cup sizes). Your surgeon can help guide you through the process of deciding which approach will work best for you!

Inn this guide, we review the aspects of Breast Augmentation Over Or Under The Muscle, can over the muscle implants look natural., pros and cons of under the muscle implants, and how painful is breast augmentation under the muscle.

Breast Augmentation Over Or Under The Muscle

There are many considerations when choosing to get breast augmentation surgery, including size and shape. However, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether or not to have your surgery “under” or “over” the muscle. Here’s what you need to know about each option:

Over the muscle

The most common procedure is to place the implant under the muscle. This is because it’s a more natural feel for you and your daily life, and it can help prevent bottoming out (when your bra size increases). Additionally, if you do have any issues down the road adjusting implants, it’s easier to remove and replace them with this method.

There are some downsides to choosing an under-the-muscle approach: One is that you may need scar revision surgery down the line if a patient doesn’t heal properly or has an infection. Another downside is that there’s no way around scars if someone chooses this option—they’ll still be visible whether they’re large or small depending on where they’re placed on your body (you’ll find surgeons who prefer to put them in inconspicuous spots like near armpits or inner thighs). You may also experience pain associated with muscle contractions over time; however, this isn’t always a problem since different bodies react differently when operated upon by doctors!

Under the muscle

The muscle is the fascia, which acts as a support mechanism for your breast and also helps with movement. It’s called “under the muscle” because it’s under the pectoralis major (the chest muscle).

Under-the-muscle breast augmentation is more common than over-the-muscle, but both are safe procedures with similar results. There are pros and cons to each type of implant placement that you should discuss with your plastic surgeon before making any decisions about which type of implant to choose.

can over the muscle implants look natural

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.

pros and cons of under the muscle implants

When it comes to considering breast augmentation (or breast enlargement), one of the most important questions that you should ask yourself is: “Should I have my breast implants under the muscle or over the muscle?”.

Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to this decision, and the placement you decide depends on a range of factors, such as the results that you are looking for.

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery to help boost your self-esteem and confidence, here we explain the difference between breast implants under the muscle vs over, and examine the pros and cons of both to help you make an informed decision.

Breast surgery options

Your first decision is to decide on the type of boob job you want to have. Your options for breast surgery include:

Breast implant options

Next, you need to decide on the type of breast implant that you want to have, there are two main types:

Think of a typical boob job and we’re sure these implants will come to mind! Round breast implants help to achieve more fullness in the top part of the breast, giving a curvaceous figure that is more in proportion as a result.

These give a more natural, subtle shape as they slope gently from the nipple to the breastbone.

The position of your breast implants

Once you have decided on the above, you need to choose your breast implant positioning option:

With breast implants under pectoral muscle, “the muscle” refers to the pectoralis major which is large and fan-shaped. When the breast implant is placed underneath it, the surgeon will detach the muscle from its lower origin along the ribs. As a result, the muscle will only cover about half of the implant, so the bigger your implant is, the less your muscle will cover.

With breast implant over the muscle, “the muscle” refers to the pectoralis minor and serratus muscles, and the implant will also be placed below the pectoralis major muscle.

Breast implant under the muscle vs over

There are many differences, pros and cons between breast implants under the muscle and over the muscle. Our Consultant Aesthetic and Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Mr Mohsen El-Gammal explains the difference.

Breast implants over the Muscle (subglandular)

If you have a moderate amount of breast tissue (such as a B cup or larger), this type of breast implant placement can produce breasts that are very natural looking and will also age well.

In addition, you will normally achieve your end results in a matter of weeks, and if your implant is placed completely on top of the muscle, you will not experience muscle tightness or breast deformity when the muscle contracts during exercise or day to day activities.

If smooth implants are placed over the muscle, this may increase the risk of rippling. Around 70% of cases occur in the upper and inner aspects of the breasts, especially when the woman has smaller breasts to start with and has a more slender build.

Furthermore, it is also more likely that you will be able to see the upper edges of the implants too.

Breast implants under the Muscle (subpectoral)

When you place smooth breast implants under the muscle, the risk of rippling is less than 10%. If you are of a thinner frame, by adding muscle bulk over the upper and inner aspects of the implants, it will be less likely that you will see the visible edges of the implant, and will have a more natural curve to your breast.

Results may take longer to be achieved, and you may need to wait several months for your breasts to fully recover. It’s also important to be aware that when exercising or completing some normal daily movement, your pec muscle will contract and flatten the implant as it does, meaning they get pushed outward and your breast shape is caused to change.

In some cases, you may see an indentation along the edge of the muscle, and if you have a moderate amount of breast tissue to start with, then in time, you may get a “waterfall deformity” from sagging, especially if it is lax or becomes lax in time.

Recovery time

When the breast implant is placed above the muscle, the recovery is usually a lot easier and less painful. However, with under the muscle breast implants, you will normally have a longer recovery time, and for several days you may experience quite a bit of discomfort. Following this, it may take several months for any swelling to subside.

What else do I need to keep in mind?

When considering the pros and cons of breast implants under the muscle vs over the muscle, it’s important to be aware that if placed completely under the muscle, you may have breasts that form a tight half-dome shape. This is not a result that most women want to achieve, so this is a key factor to keep in mind.

Can breast implants under the muscle move?

If you have ever wondered whether breast implants under the muscle will move, then let us explain the risk in more detail.

If you have breast implants under the muscle, it is possible that they can slip out or move as only the top half of the implant is covered by the muscle. If you are concerned about this, speak to your surgeon.

Key Learnings

When it comes to thinking about whether to have your breast implants under the muscle or over the muscle, there are a number of factors to keep in mind and speaking to your surgeon will help you to ensure that you get the best results for you and your body.

If you would like to improve your confidence, contact us to book your consultation with one of our expert professionals, where you’ll be able to discuss your enhancement expectations and requirements.

Our years of experience in the field of cosmetic surgery ensure that you can rely on The Harley Medical Group to assist you with a tailored treatment programme for breast surgery. We offer free non-obligation consultations with qualified Medical Professionals, as well as a thorough aftercare service to ensure that your experience is positive throughout your entire journey.

how painful is breast augmentation under the muscle

Breast augmentation surgery continues to be an extremely popular procedure for many patients. For many, how their surgery turns out is extremely satisfactory and happy with how it’s turned out. During the recovery period, however, patients are still sceptical about how their results have turned out after breast augmentation surgery.

Guidance is provided throughout your recovery stage and we ensure that your safety is a top priority by outlining the steps your recovery will take. However, if at some point in your recovery after breast augmentation you have any concerns, we’ve outlined some things that you should and shouldn’t expect to feel or see after your surgery.

Your chest feels quite tight

It’s natural to expect swelling after your surgery. This will be the time period when your breast tissue is beginning to heal and become familiar with the implants that have been inserted. Postoperative swelling can intensify particularly around the 3-5 day mark, potentially amplifying the feeling of pressure on your chest.

Typically, you’re likely to feel discomfort after breast augmentation surgery for the first couple of weeks but feelings of stiffness can occur for a month or so. The majority of the swelling will occur in the first 3 weeks or so after the breast augmentation surgery but moderate swelling is likely to remain for around 3 months.

If the swelling persists severely and your breasts feel very warm or have the feeling of engorgement, it’s important to contact your surgeon immediately as these are common signs of bleeding and infection.

Boobs appear unnatural and nipples are uneven

During the recovery process, it’s important that your breasts are given time to “drop and fluff”. This is a term used to describe the breasts gradually falling into place of their final position the scar begins to fade. This normally occurs around the 3 month mark.

Initially, your breasts are likely to appear rather high on the chest and you’ll generally see some dissimilarities in how they look. This may also include one breast appearing slightly bigger than the other or one dropping lower than the other. Don’t fear that your surgeon made a mistake at this stage as it simply means your breasts need more time to heal.

Give your breasts time to adjust to the new implants. Asymmetry may occur postoperatively as swelling continues to heal and one breast may recover quicker than the other. Around 3 months is when your breasts will start to take shape and show their final results. If after this time, your breasts still appear dissimilar, hard to touch and generally look unnatural, this would be a good indication to call your surgeon. Breast augmentation revision can be an option if you’re still not happy with the results after 6-12 months.

Shooting pains are being felt around out nipples

You’re likely to feel strange sensations and pain around your chest and nipple area as your muscles tissues continue to repair. Other common pains may appear in the chest and have back pain occur throughout the first few weeks. Generally, chest muscle spasms are expected to occur around the first three to four weeks after your recovery as the pectoral muscles continue to adjust to the implant.

Whilst the pains may occur for around 6 months after breast augmentation surgery, these should gradually become less frequent. If the pain continues severely and excessively for a continuous period, disrupting your comfort and sleeping patterns, it’s important to notify your surgeon immediately.

You feel bloated or constipated

It’s natural to feel extremely anxious after your surgery, developing discomfort in the digestive system and nausea. The body can also react differently to medication and the anesthesia used to numb your pain feeling. Pain feeling tends to come from lack of physical activity for the first few days of recovery, causing fatigue and bloating.

This feeling of constipation should only last for a few days after the initial shock that the body received from the operation. Regular hydration and taking reasonable precautions with your medication can help to alleviate this feeling. Any limited exercise available can also help with digestive problems, such as short walks.

If the pain persists longer than normally expected, it would be advisable to contact your surgeon about the problems you’re facing. There can be solutions available, even as little as adjusting your diet. These can be further discussed during your visit.

Be sure to stay in touch with your surgeon

Each individual patient heals differently after breast augmentation surgery, so you may not even experience these points. Whilst the majority of patients are happy with their results and heal as expected after surgery with us, there can be times when complications arise. Therefore, if you’re having some problems after your recovery be sure to contact us so we can discuss these issues and support you along the way.