Breast Implant Placements

Posted On: September 16, 2021 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Revision

Placement of Breast Implants

Saline or silicone implants may be placed in one or two planes, either the subglandular retromammary or the dual plane technique or subpectoral two-thirds under the muscle, one-third over.  The majority of our patients with primary augmentation we prefer the dual plane technique, placing the implant behind the muscle along the medial two-thirds and behind the glandular tissue on the lateral outer-third.  However, patients who have endomorphic build such as barrel chest deformity or severe pectus excavatum with thick breast tissue may do well with implants placed in the subglandular pocket.

Advantages of the dual plane technique include decreased visibility and palpability, decreased scar tissue contracture or ease for mammography for the radiologist.  Disadvantages of the subpectoral pocket include more pain, stiffness, and sometimes flexion deformities when the parasternal attachments of the pectoralis major muscle are not released.  Advantages of subglandular include easy placement, less pain postop; however, many disadvantages including increased risk of scar tissue contracture, difficulty reading mammograms, more visibility, palpability of the bag and a less natural appearance.

Dr. Linder explains why it is very important to keep multiple breast implants of the same kind before performing any surgery requiring breast implants. We always keep at least three of each size and style, just in case we discover a defect or see a rare rupture, tear, or pop during the breast implant placement.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Linder or learn more about implants or breast surgery, call our office at 310-275-4513.