Breast Augmentation Surgery

The optimum implant placement location depends on the size of the breast implants, your individual anatomy, and other factors related to your goals and expectations.

Sub-glandular Implant Placement (in front of pectoral muscles under breast tissue)

Sub-glandular breast surgery requires the creation of a pocket to place the implants the breast tissue and in front of the muscles and fibrous tissues that line the front of the ribs and chest wall. The outer breast tissue is soft and extends over and beyond the pectoral muscles of the upper chest. The breast comprises a complex group of tissues, including glandular, fatty, and fibrous tissues.

The breast is positioned over the pectoral muscles of the chest wall, Fibrous strands called Cooper's ligaments attach the breast. The fatty tissue in the breast is what gives the breast a soft consistency. This tissue extends throughout the breasts, surrounding the glands and fibrous tissues. Subglandular implant placement locates the implants in front of the pectoralis major and pectoralils minor and behind the soft layer of tissue.

Partial Sub-muscular Implant Placement (partially under pectoral muscles)

Partial sub-muscular implant placement requires the creation of a pocket in between the pectoralis major muscle and pectoralis minor muscle for placement of the implants, so they sit behind the breast tissue and also partially under the pectoral and other chest muscles. During the procedure, the lowest part of the pectoralis Major muscle is cut so that the upper part of the implant sits deeply beneath the muscle, but the lower part sits beneath the breast (sub-glandular).

The Pectoralis Major muscles attach to the upper arm area and stretch out across the chest like a fan. The Pectoralis Minor muscles attach to the shoulder blade (scapula) and stretch down to the ribs.

By placing the implant between the breast and chest muscles, the partial sub-muscular placement offers more support for the implant over time and can prevent sagging. The breast is positioned over the pectoral muscles of the chest wall; Fibrous strands called Cooper's ligaments attach the breast. The fatty tissue in the breast is what gives the breast a soft, natural consistency. This tissue extends throughout the breasts, surrounding glands, fibrous tissues and the implant after placement.

Full Sub-muscular Implant Placement (behind breast and the major muscle groups)

Full sub-muscular implant placement, the implant is placed behind the breast tissue, the pectoralis minor and the pectoralis major, so the implant lies beneath both muscle groups in the chest area. The Pectoralis Major muscles attach to the upper arm area and stretch out across the chest like a fan. The Pectoralis Minor muscles attach to the shoulder blade (scapula) and stretch down to the ribs. Placing the implants under both.The breast is positioned over the pectoral muscles of the chest wall, Fibrous strands called Cooper's ligaments attach the breast. The fatty tissue in the breast is what gives the breast a soft, natural consistency. This tissue extends throughout the breasts, surrounding glands, fibrous tissues and the implant after placement.

Top Questions to ask your Breast Augmentation Surgeon

  • What are your qualifications? Are you Board Certified?
  • How much experience do you have doing this operation? How many times have you done this breast augmentation?
  • What are the alternatives to breast augmentation surgery?
  • Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery? What results can I expect from breast augmentation surgery?
  • What other medical staff will assist with the breast augmentation? Will you be performing the whole breast augmentation surgery?
  • Where will my breast augmentation surgery be performed?
  • What type of anesthesia will be used during the breast augmentation surgery?
  • What are the risks associated with breast augmentation surgery? What is the complication rate of breast augmentation surgery?
  • Can I see before and after pictures of patients on whom you have performed breast augmentation surgery? Can you provide me with references to patients on whom you have performed breast augmentation surgery?
  • How much will the breast augmentation surgery cost? What is the exact breakdown of fees for my breast augmentation surgery? Will my insurance cover any of these fees?
  • How long will it take me to recover after breast augmentation surgery? To drive or go back to work? To exercise?
  • Do you have malpractice insurance?