Should Your Breast Implants Go Over or Under the Muscle?

As you plan your breast augmentation, you will quickly see that size isn’t the only factor to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. Other options such as breast implant placement are also important to discuss with your cosmetic surgeon.

There are two main implant placement options: over your chest muscle and under your chest muscle. Use this quick guide to help you decide which might be the best fit for your breast enhancement.

Subglandular Breast Implant Placement

Subglandular implants are placed over the chest muscle, under your natural breast tissue. This option is generally best for women who are choosing silicone implants and have a fair amount of natural breast tissue.

Very active women, including bodybuilders and weight lifters, will also see the best results with “over the muscle” implants. When flexed, larger pectoral muscles can temporarily shift the shape or position of your implants if they are placed beneath it.

Submuscular Breast Implant Placement

Placing the implant beneath the chest muscle can help to camouflage any rippling that might occur with saline implants.

Submuscular or “under the muscle” breast implants are placed underneath both the chest muscle and breast tissue. This can be a good choice if you’re choosing saline implants or have a small amount of natural breast tissue.

Which Option Is Right for Me?

It’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the difference between these breast implant placement types. But you’ll be able to discuss your options in more detail during your breast enhancement consultation, and Dr. Koehler can help you decide which will best align with your goals.