(704)-844-8344 Appointment

Breast Implant Placement: How Placement Affects Results By Dr. Ferrari | May 29, 2024 | Premier Plastic Surgery Center

Are you considering breast implant placement but unsure about the best option for you? From subglandular to submuscular to subfascial placement, each choice affects not only your cosmetic results but also your recovery timeline. This guide provides a clear comparison of the options to help you make an informed decision tailored to your body and goals. This guide aims to assist breast augmentation patients in understanding their implant placement options.

Key Takeaways

  • Breast implant placement significantly affects aesthetic outcomes; options include subglandular (behind breast tissue), submuscular (under chest muscle), and subfascial (below fascia tissue), each with distinct benefits and potential drawbacks.
  • Factors such as the patient’s body type, amount of existing breast tissue, and the strength and size of chest muscles are critical in determining the optimal placement for breast implants to ensure natural-looking results and minimize complications.
  • Preparation for breast augmentation includes selecting appropriate implant types and sizes, ensuring good physical and emotional health, lifestyle adjustments, and understanding the procedure and post-operative care for a smooth recovery.

Understanding Implant Placement Options

There are three primary breast surgery methods for the placement of breast implants, including the innovative subfascial breast augmentation technique:

  1. Subglandular placement involves positioning the implant behind the breast tissue and in front of the chest muscle.
  2. Placement known as submuscular involves inserting the implant fully or partially under the chest muscle, also referred to as submuscular breast implants.
  3. With subfascial placement, surgeons place the implant between a layer of connective tissue called fascia and breast tissue.

When preparing for an implant insertion, a surgeon will craft a pocket that will accommodate it. This location is critical because it has a considerable impact on how natural-looking final results appear. The selection between saline or silicone implants can influence such decisions too. It’s imperative to understand each option’s advantages and disadvantages when choosing where best to situate an individual patient’s implants.

Charlotte board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Victor Ferrari excels particularly in placing subfascial breast implants. Dr. Ferrari believes this method delivers excellent outcomes with very natural-looking enhancements.

Here are more details concerning each specific approach to breast augmentation.

Subglandular Placement

Positioning breast implants above the chest muscles and beneath the mammary glands is known as subglandular placement. This method is frequently employed during breast augmentation procedures. The benefits of this approach include:

  • Shortened healing period
  • Diminished post-surgery swelling because there’s less disturbance to the breast tissue
  • When adequate pre-existing breast tissue exists, subglandular placed implants can align with body movements, creating an appearance that seems very natural

Opting for subglandular placement comes with certain disadvantages, such as a heightened potential for implant surface rippling to be seen, an increased likelihood of capsular contracture developing, and minor impediments in mammogram evaluations. Subglandular positioning may offer better outcomes for individuals who have robust or significant pectoral muscle mass since it avoids deformation of the implant due to muscle activity.

Patients often experience a more relaxed recovery process when choosing this option since inserting implants does not involve disturbing the pectoral muscles.

Submuscular Placement

Breast implants under the chest muscle, commonly known as submuscular or subpectoral placement, allow for the insertion of an implant beneath this area. This method often leads to a more naturally contoured appearance and can enhance the precision of mammograms when compared with other implant positioning techniques. The final effect of this type of breast augmentation may be influenced by certain aspects, such as whether the pectoralis major muscle is evenly shaped or not and its specific width and length.

Choosing a submuscular approach for implant installation comes with potential challenges that should be taken into account.

  • Muscle activity could cause shape distortion, necessitating future corrective procedures
  • Risk exists for improper positioning
  • Movement towards the side (lateral migration)
  • Increased distance between breasts resulting in wider cleavage
  • Possibility of uneven breast shapes

Subfascial Placement

Subfascial breast augmentations are becoming increasingly popular among women seeking subtle breast enhancement. The technique situates the implant beneath the fascia, which is connective tissue covering the chest muscles, offering a natural look without a lengthy recovery period. Advantages of this method include:

  • Reduction in breast distortion when chest muscles are active
  • Preservation of a natural contour for breasts during diverse physical activities
  • Creation of an appearance for the breasts that appears more naturally

Dr. Victor Ferrari has garnered recognition for his ability to produce results that closely resemble natural breasts. Compared to other techniques, executing a surgery involving subfascial placement of breast implants demands greater complexity. This is why it is important to consider a highly skilled surgeon like Dr. Ferrari when selecting subfascial breast augmentation.

Subfascial Breast Augmentation: Benefits and Candidacy

Breast augmentation through the subfascial method seems to present multiple benefits, such as reduced recovery duration, a lower likelihood of shape alteration, and the delivery of subtle yet enduring outcomes. It is essential to determine if an individual qualifies for this approach or if alternative breast augmentations might be more appropriate.

We should delve into the advantages offered by subfascial breast augmentation and assess how one can ascertain eligibility for this specific type of breast enhancement procedure.

Advantages of Subfascial Augmentation

Individuals who choose subfascial augmentation typically report:

  • Enhanced comfort after the procedure compared to counterparts choosing submuscular placement
  • The fascia provides support, leading to less pain and a shorter period of inactivity
  • A lower chance of changes in implant shape
  • Preservation of the breast’s contour during exercises or movements

The method involving subfascial placement allows for partial muscle coverage while still gaining extra reinforcement and stability from the overlying fascia. As a consequence, this approach is less intrusive, which decreases potential procedural risks and facilitates an easier and more agreeable recovery experience.

Evaluating Candidacy for Subfascial Augmentation

Subfascial augmentation is especially appropriate for patients who are either slim or physically fit. This method’s proficiency in softening the implant borders and diminishing their detectability renders it an optimal choice for this demographic. Because it does not disrupt the pectoral muscle, some patients may find this approach particularly beneficial.

The facial technique comes with a set of advantages, which include:

  • A reduced rate of complications
  • A relatively low occurrence rate of capsular contracture, approximately 1 percent
  • Diminished pain following implant surgery when compared to placements beneath the pectoral muscle
  • Creation of a more anatomically accurate pocket tailored for housing the breast implant

Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery

Prior to embarking on the journey of breast augmentation, it is essential to engage in comprehensive preparation. Securing an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ferrari is crucial for discussing options regarding implant shapes, sizes, and suitability concerning individual body proportions and desired aesthetic outcomes. Being in optimal physical and mental health is vital for ensuring both operative success and a smooth recovery.

Modifications to one’s lifestyle might be required before the breast augmentation procedure takes place. This includes quitting smoking, abstaining from certain medications such as anticoagulants, and strictly following any specific pre-surgery directives about medication or intake of substances that could potentially heighten surgical risks. It’s also imperative to sort out practical details like arranging transportation home after surgery, establishing post-operative care support systems from friends or family members, securing time off work for recuperation period commitments as well as readying necessities needed during convalescence are integral steps towards facilitating straightforward surgery experience coupled with an efficient healing phase.

We recommend incorporating sufficient restful sleep, effective stress reduction strategies, and a preparatory regimen leading up to breast augmentation surgery to make sure you are as healthy as possible for the procedure.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Understanding the sequence of events in both the breast augmentation surgery and the recuperation that follows can alleviate worries you might have. Let’s reveal what transpires throughout and subsequent to this procedure, from being in the operating room to navigating through the healing phase after surgery on your breasts.

The Surgical Procedure

In the subfascial breast augmentation method, the following steps are taken:

  1. An incision is made.
  2. A pocket specifically crafted underneath the fascia—the connective tissue above the chest muscles—is prepared.
  3. For silicone breast implants, the implants are carefully inserted into the pocket created in the breasts.
  4. For saline breast implants, empty saline implants are inserted into the designated space within the breast and are then filled with sterile salt water.

Once an implant has been positioned correctly through this procedure, sutures typically close up the surgical cut. The area of surgery is then carefully dressed using skin adhesive and surgical tape to stabilize it during recovery and help limit scar tissue development around the implant. Following these steps exactly ensures that the implants will function effectively and deliver excellent results from a subfascial breast augmentation

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

The post-operative phase is essential for a successful healing process and achieving the best outcome after breast augmentation surgery. Typically, individuals may experience discomfort, inflammation, and bruising following the procedure. The duration of the recovery period can be influenced by factors such as implant placement techniques. Those who receive implants above the pectoral muscle (subglandular) often recover more quickly because there’s less disruption to bodily tissues compared to submuscular placements, which might cause increased pain and extend recuperation times.

To aid in their convalescence, patients are instructed to:

Use a supportive compression garment or sports bra

Alleviate pain with medications prescribed by their doctor

Refrain from heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for at least two weeks after undergoing surgery

Be cautious about direct contact or abrupt movements that could impede proper healing

Throughout this time of recovery from breast augmentation, heightened sensitivity within the breasts should also be anticipated and managed carefully.

Achieving Natural-Looking Results with Breast Implant Placement

Ensuring the correct placement of breast implants is essential for attaining results that appear natural, particularly following substantial body changes such as those due to pregnancy. For a naturally appearing outcome in breast augmentation, it’s vital to consider each patient’s unique anatomical features, achieving harmony and proportionality in appearance. Women considering breast implants should maintain realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of their surgery. While enhancing physical aesthetics through augmentations can have positive impacts on body image perceptions, it does not guarantee an increase in self-esteem by itself. Those with practical anticipations tend to experience higher satisfaction levels post-surgery.

As time progresses and significant weight fluctuations or aging occur, interventions may be necessary for adjusting their appearance since these factors could alter how breasts look over time, necessitating additional surgeries.

Breast augmentation is a highly individualized choice, with successful results based on appreciating several contributing factors. Whether the breast implants are positioned beneath the breast tissue in a subglandular manner, underneath chest muscles as in submuscular placement, or within a subfascial location—each option critically impacts the surgery’s outcome. An adequate understanding of what occurs during and post-procedure and setting realistic goals are essential for ideal results. As every individual differs significantly, consulting with an expert professional like Dr. Victor Ferrari is vital to reaching your personal best breast enhancement outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of breast implant placement are there?

There are multiple placement options for breast implants, namely subglandular, submuscular, and subfascial. Each provides varying degrees of support and coverage for the breast implant within the breast.

How does the amount of existing breast tissue influence implant placement?

The necessity for muscle coverage during implant placement, which can influence the results after surgery, may be determined by the quantity of breast tissue already present.

What are the advantages of subfascial breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation using the subfascial method offers discreet and enduring outcomes while also reducing distortion risks and allowing for a quicker recovery period.

Who is a suitable candidate for subfascial augmentation?

For thin or athletic individuals, subfascial augmentation is particularly advantageous because the fascia serves to diminish visibility and soften the edges of the implant, thus aligning well with this patient group’s needs.

What can I expect during recovery after breast augmentation surgery?

Following your breast augmentation surgery, anticipate experiencing tenderness, puffiness, and discoloration in the area. It’s crucial to use a compression wrap or sports bra as directed to ensure proper support during this time. Managing discomfort with medications that have been prescribed is important for healing. You should also refrain from engaging in any vigorous activities for a minimum of two weeks.

Doing so will significantly facilitate the recovery process after your breast augmentation procedure.

Your First Choice For Exquisite, Natural-Looking Results

1635 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews, NC 28105

By submitting this you agree to be contacted by Premier Plastic Surgery Center via text, call or email. Standard rates may apply. For more details, read our Privacy Policy.

Call Today (704)-844-8344