Breast Implant Placement (Over vs. Under Approach)
Placement of breast implants can greatly affect the cosmetic result of your breast augmentation procedure. Patients can elect to have implants placed over the pectoral muscles or under the muscles.
A cosmetic surgeon skilled and practiced in implant placement can achieve good cosmetic results from either placement, and can recommend which would be best for your breast augmentation surgery. Drs. Wendell and John Smoot, La Jolla and San Diego area plastic surgeons, have each performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedures for over 20 years and understand the nuances and artistry of this science that lead to great outcomes.
Breast Implants over the Muscle
Breast implants placed over the muscle, also known as subglandular placement, can produce a rounded appearance in many patients; however, many women are looking for this augmented, less natural outcome. Advantages of the over the muscle approach are the relative simplicity of the surgery and reduced post-operative discomfort because only fat and skin are incised. This method of breast augmentation also allows larger implants—the preference for some women. One clear disadvantage with oversized implants is their interference with mammograms (they obstruct by about 40 percent), skin rippling over the implants, more instances of the implant shifting downward and challenges correcting these difficulties when they occur.
Breast Implants under the Muscle
Placing breast implants under the muscle, also known as submuscular placement, gives offers less obstruction to a mammography. A more natural appearance is gained with a gentle transition from the upper chest wall to implant's round shape. The implant's edges are less apparent and no rippling is seen. Submuscular placement also tends to reduce the risk of capsular contracture, an uncommon but potentially serious complication of breast augmentation surgery. Key disadvantages are more post-operative discomfort, and a longer surgery.
In Summary
Over the muscle breast implants:
- Cause less soreness during healing and allow a shorter recovery period
- Allow saline and silicone implants to be more noticeable through the skin
- Interfere with mammography procedures
- Cause some skin rippling
Under the muscle breast implants:
- Cause decreased rippling effects on the skin
- Lead to less visibility of both saline and silicone implants through the skin
- Present little risk of interference with mammograms
If you or a loved one is making a decision on which type of breast augmentation surgery will best meet her needs, please contact the San Diego area offices of Dr. John Smoot, and Dr. Wendell Smoot to schedule a breast augmentation consultation or call 800.715.5052; we can help you determine what approach is right for you. Financing for your cosmetic surgery is available.
Wendell Smoot, M.D.
John Smoot, M.D.
Reza Sadrian, M.D.
Carol Hollan, M.D.
9850 Genesee Ave. #300, #380
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone No: (858) 587-9850
Fax: (858) 622-2066
If you live near La Jolla or elsewhere in San Diego and would like to learn more about abdominoplasty or liposuction, contact our practice today.
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