Pros and cons of breast implants under the muscle

There are two key techniques used by surgeons for breast implant surgery, and a board-certified expert surgeon is proficient in both, as their use is determined by the specifics of the case including the patient’s need.

1. Subfascial Technique – popularly known as above-the-muscle technique, the implant is placed behind the breast tissue, but above the pectoral chest muscle.
2. Dual-Plane Technique – popularly known as below-the-muscle technique, the implant is placed behind two planes – both the breast tissue and the pectoral chest muscle.

Each technique has its own place, and its use is determined on a case-by-case basis. The patient’s condition, tissue characteristics and needs together determine the course of action to be taken.

Pros and cons of breast implants under the muscle or Dual-Plane Technique

Here, specifically we go into the pros on cons of breast implants under the muscle.

Pros of Breast Implants Under the Muscle

1. Since the implant is placed behind two layers – the breast tissue as well as the pectoral muscle, it is more secure in position and less likely to move from its position due to any external trauma, for instance, an accident.
2. For a natural look – due to the placement of the implant so deep inside the chest, the final look is also more natural, and is particularly more appealing, especially for a slimmer woman.
3. A breast implant which is placed under the pectoral chest muscle is away from the breast and does not impact the ducts which are connected to the nipples. Therefore, a woman can safely breastfeed her child, which may be a point of concern if she is going for breast implants before pregnancy.

Cons of Breast Implants Under the Muscle

There is only one key factor, which may be considered as a con, though it is more of a precaution, of placing the breast implant under the muscle, rather than above it. It takes almost twice as long to see the result when placing the implant under the muscle, rather than above it. Thus, the patient is required to exercise a higher degree of caution, especially when it comes to resuming workouts and exercise after the recommended period of “no exercise” has lapsed. This is over and above the care one must take even if the implant is placed behind the tissue but above the muscle.

In addition, the patient’s condition and tissue characteristics may make it either imperative to place the implants only behind the muscle or make the patient not a viable candidate for the dual-plane technique. This is determined on a case-to-case basis and thus the accompanying outcome and care procedures need to be followed.

Dr Rajat Gupta is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, with 12 years of experience in the field. He has pioneered cosmetic surgery in India and is an expert in breast implant procedures. He takes time to understand the patient, their need, their case history and charts out the roadmap while keeping the patient involved, every step of the way.