Breast augmentation above or below the pectoral muscle

Are you hesitating between a breast augmentation above or below the pectoral muscle? The reasons for considering a breast enhancement vary from woman to woman. The most important thing is that you choose a procedure that suits you and makes you feel comfortable. Breast augmentation is a common, relatively straightforward procedure. Alongside the lipofilling treatment is there also the option to have implants fitted. Silicone implants are used above or below the pectoral muscle for breast augmentation. Each surgical technique has its advantages and disadvantages.

Types of breast implants

Every woman is unique, and that applies to her breasts and her expectations of the result as well. There are various implants, which differ not only in size, but also in shape.

• Round implants
  Round silicone implants give your breasts a naturally round and convex appearance. As you get older, the skin loses much of its natural elasticity and everything starts to sag more and more. Round implants drop downwards, so that the upper part of your breast looks less full.
• Anatomically shaped or teardrop-shaped implants
  Teardrop-shaped implants follow the natural lines of your breast more closely. Immediately after breast augmentation, your breasts have a natural curve. The upper part of your breast is filled and this teardrop shape is maintained over a long period of time. These implants have been used increasingly in recent years, especially if you want a natural breast shape after your breast augmentation.

Should breast enlargement implants be inserted above or below the pectoral muscle?

The incisions for the insertion of the implants are made in a skin fold beneath the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit. The final choice of incisions depends on your personal preference, the shape of your breasts, the type of implants and the position of the implants. During the consultation, the doctor will discuss with you which treatment methods are available and which technique is most suitable for you.

Insertion of the implants over the muscle

If the surgeon places the implants above your pectoralis major muscle, they will be located between the chest muscle and the mammary gland. This technique is only used if there is naturally enough glandular and fatty tissue to adequately cover the implants so that your breasts feel natural.

• Benefits of subglandular breast implants
  The possibility of friction between the implant and the pectoral muscle is low. The original shape of the implants is retained and the breast does not deform when your pectoral muscle is tightened.
• Disadvantages of implants above the pectoral muscle
  Following the procedure, there is a slightly higher risk of scarring and capsule formation. With the current capabilities of silicone implants, this risk is reduced to a minimum. There is also a possibility that the edges of the implants can be felt if you naturally have thin breast tissue.

Insertion of the implants under the pectoral muscle

Another frequently used technique is placing the implants under your pectoral muscle. This method is preferred when there is naturally little breast tissue.

• Advantages of implants under the chest muscle
  This method has a lower chance of capsular contracture and is preferred by women who naturally have thin fat and breast tissue.
• Disadvantages of implants under the chest muscle
  Compared to placing the implants above the pectoral muscle, the recovery period is longer and you may suffer from post-operative pain for some time. Rapid arm movements will also be somewhat painful following the operation. Occasionally, excessive arm movements can lead to the deformation and/or displacement of the implants.

Natural result and appearance

After choosing the shape of the implants and discussing the likely placement beneath or above the chest muscle with the doctor, the question of size remains. Most women choose a cup size that matches their body contours, and this is strongly recommended. Fuller, firmer breasts and a size that suits your physique is the most common wish. You may only be thinking about a larger cup size when considering breast augmentation. The doctor will also explain how you can better adapt your breasts to your body shape, so that this can be taken into account when choosing the desired implants. Depending on what your breast tissue is like and whether your skin is sufficiently elastic, the size of the implants can be chosen. If your skin turns out not to be sufficiently elastic, the implants may be visible or palpable afterwards. This can affect the result you were hoping for. Despite the fact that the Breast augmentation is a relatively simple and safe procedure, a cosmetic doctor will inform you of the risks and potential side effects. This reduces the risk of complications and prevents disappointment.

Unverbindliche, persönliche Beratung Brustvergrößerung

Denken Sie über eine Brustvergrößerung nach und sind Sie neugierig, wie das Verfahren bei Ihnen angewendet werden kann? Die Acuraklinik in Weert hilft Ihnen gerne weiter. Vereinbaren Sie einen Termin für eine unverbindliche Beratung und lassen Sie sich über die verschiedenen Methoden beraten. Stellen Sie alle Fragen und besprechen Sie die zu erwartenden Ergebnisse mit einem unserer erfahrenen Kosmetikärzte.

Breast enlargement above or below the pectoral muscle – FAQ

There are a number of frequently asked questions regarding breast augmentation above or below the pectoral muscle. Of course, you are also welcome to ask us these questions by email or phone. Nevertheless, we feel it is useful to answer a number of questions in this way.

Is a breast augmentation a painful procedure?
Depending on how the breast augmentation is performed, you may experience a sore feeling for a few days. If the implants are placed under the pectoral muscle, it is normal to experience some postoperative pain for 5 to 7 days. Surgery in which the implants are placed above the muscle is usually less painful.

What does placement above the chest muscle mean?
Placement above the pectoral muscle means that the implants are inserted beneath the mammary gland tissue and above the pectoralis major muscle. This technique was standard 20 years ago. Nowadays, more attention is paid to the presence of glandular tissue and the thickness of your skin. The comprehensive preliminary examination prevents the implants from needing to be replaced after 10 to 20 years because the edges are visible through the thin skin.

What does placement under the pectoral muscle mean?
When the majority of the implants are located beneath the pectoralis major muscle and the lower and outer part beneath the mammary gland, this is referred to as submuscular placement.

When is an implant placed above the pectoral muscle?
If you naturally have enough breast glandular tissue, at least 3 cm to cover the implant, placement above the pectoral muscle is recommended. However, this is not always straightforward. Some women have strongly developed pectoral muscles. In this case, doctors prefer to place the implants above the pectoral muscle, as otherwise it would dominate. The implant can be pulled upwards by the muscle. Cosmetic doctors look for the best way to maintain the strength of the pectoral muscle and good coverage of the implants.

When is an implant placed under the chest muscle?
For women who have little glandular tissue, placement beneath the pectoral muscle is recommended. In practice, this mainly affects young women aged between 18 and 25.

What are the differences between round and teardrop-shaped breast implants?
Silicone implants are available in various sizes. In addition, a distinction is made between round and teardrop-shaped implants. A round implant gives the breast a round and full appearance. In very slim women who have little glandular tissue, the folds of the implants can be noticeable and this is not natural. In this case, a teardrop-shaped implant is recommended. These implants are anatomically shaped and give the lower part of the breast more volume.

Which breast implant will be used for me?
The decision to have a breast implant is often very personal. During a consultation with the cosmetic doctor, you can look at and touch the various implants. The doctor will explain the differences to you and show you the results that can be achieved with the implants.

What are the risks of breast augmentation?
Surgical procedures carry general risks, and this also applies to breast enlargement. Although the likelihood of side effects is low, you should consider risks such as secondary haemorrhage, allergic reactions, poor wound healing, thrombosis, scar formation, capsular contracture and an asymmetrical result. Symptoms such as swelling, bruising and redness subside on their own. Most side effects are temporary. If side effects persist or recur, please contact the clinic.

Will the sensation in my breasts change after a breast augmentation?
As a result of the procedure, the sensation in your breasts or nipples may temporarily feel different. The duration of the altered sensation can vary from a few weeks to several months. Changes in sensation are almost always temporary.

Can I have a mammogram with breast implants?
Yes, women with breast implants can have a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI scan. Please inform the radiologist in advance that you have implants so that this can be taken into account during the examination.

Can I specify my own cup size for breast augmentation?
When your breasts are enlarged with implants, you can state yourself which cup size you would like. The plastic surgeon will ask what you expect and at the same time will look at the existing breast tissue and your physique. On this basis, they will propose a treatment plan. You can see and touch the implants in advance. The doctor will show you examples of breast augmentations already carried out.

What does capsular contracture mean?
Capsular contracture is a natural reaction of the body to the inserted implants. The body forms connective tissue around the implants, as a result of which capsular contracture develops. In itself, the encapsulation is not a bad thing; it holds the implants in place after the operation. The breasts can contract and thereby become deformed. Excessive capsular contracture causes pain and physical discomfort. Surgery may be necessary to correct the capsular contracture.

Will there be visible scarring whether they are placed beneath or above the muscle?
Cosmetic doctors make the incisions as far as possible in the natural breast creases and in the armpit. Depending on the procedure, the nipple and areola can also be repositioned. Scarring is then inevitable. Fresh scars are initially red and noticeable. After a while, the scar heals and the redness fades. The scar slowly takes on the colour of the skin again and the healed scars are barely visible. Occasionally, scar treatment may be desirable to improve the appearance of the skin.

Can I go straight to work after a breast augmentation?
No, experience has shown that your body needs time to recover. When you can resume your activity depends on the type of work. Strenuous physical exertion and lifting should be avoided as far as possible for at least 4 weeks.

Do I need to wear special clothing after a breast augmentation?
After the operation, you must definitely wear a seamless sports bra. In the first weeks you will wear it day and night so that your breasts have optimal support. How long you need to wear the bra around the clock depends on the individual. The cosmetic surgeon will give you tips and tell you when it is enough to wear the bra only during the day.

Can I shower after a breast augmentation?
You can shower a few days after the procedure. Avoid showering for too long and make sure the stitches do not come into contact with water.