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When planning a breast augmentation, one of the most important decisions you’ll make with your surgeon is where to place the implants. Placement affects how your breasts look, feel, and age over time, as well as your recovery experience. The right choice all depends on your body, goals, and lifestyle. 

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Let’s go over the breast augmentation options, the breast implant pros and cons, subglandular vs submuscular, as well as the best breast augmentation techniques available to you. 

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Types of Breast Implant Placements

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Choosing the right breast implant placement is just as important as picking the size. Each option affects your look, feel, recovery, and long-term results in unique ways. That being said, here are the different types of breast implant placement options: 

Subglandular Placement (Over the Muscle)

In a subglandular placement, the implant is positioned directly behind the breast tissue but in front of the pectoral muscle.

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Pros:

• Shorter surgery time and recovery.
• Less post-op discomfort compared to under-the-muscle techniques.
• Implants sit higher, which can create more visible cleavage.
• Easier surgical adjustments in the future.

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Cons:

• Greater chance of visible rippling, especially in women with little natural breast tissue.
• Less natural appearance for smaller breasts.
• Slightly higher risk of capsular contracture compared to submuscular placement.

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Submuscular Placement (Under the Muscle)

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Here, the implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle, which partially covers it and provides more tissue over the implant.

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Pros:

• More natural slope and contour, especially for smaller breasts.
• Reduced risk of visible rippling or edges showing.
• Lower likelihood of capsular contracture.
• Often looks better on thinner women with minimal breast tissue.

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Cons:

• Slightly longer recovery with more post-op soreness.
• Potential for “animation deformity,” which is a temporary distortion when flexing chest muscles.
• Longer surgery time compared to subglandular placement.

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Dual-Plane Placement

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Dual plane breast implants are a hybrid approach where the top portion of the implant is placed under the muscle, while the lower portion rests under the breast tissue. 

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Pros:

• Combines the benefits of both over and under the muscle placement.
• Offers natural contour with good upper fullness.
• Less distortion during muscle flex than with full submuscular placement.
• Works well for mild sagging without needing a breast lift.

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Cons:

• More complex surgery than the other two options.
• Healing and recovery can take longer.
• Not necessary for all patients.

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How to Choose the Right Placement for Your Body

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Several factors determine the best placement for you and your body, such as:

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• Natural Breast Tissue Volume: Women with more tissue may benefit from subglandular placement, while those with less tissue may benefit from submuscular or dual-plane placement.
• Desired Look: Over the muscle placement is usually preferred for high cleavage and projection, although under the muscle or dual-plane procedures provide a softer, more natural slope.
• Lifestyle: Athletes or people who regularly work out their chest muscles may prefer subglandular placement to reduce the risk of breast movement or distortion when flexing.
• Surgeon Recommendation: Your board-certified plastic surgeon will assess your anatomy and goals to recommend the best placement for you. 

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Discussing Options with Your Surgeon

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When it comes to choosing your breast implant placement, nothing replaces the value of a personalized consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Every body is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. 

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During your appointment, your surgeon will assess your current breast tissue, skin elasticity, chest wall structure, and desired aesthetic goal to determine the best technique.

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To make the most of your consultation, come prepared with questions regarding placement, healing, and long-term outcomes. Consider asking:

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• Which placement will give me the most natural look for my frame?
• How will each option affect my recovery time?
• What are the potential risks and benefits of each placement?

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It’s also helpful to bring visual references, such as photos of your “ideal” result, and be open about your lifestyle, activity level, and clothing preferences. Your surgeon may use 3D imaging or sizers to help you visualize the difference between options, as well as show examples from past patients.

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Want to know more? For guidance on choosing not just your placement, but also the ideal size, read our detailed guide: Understanding Breast Implant Sizes: What They Mean and What's Best For You. 

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Let Bliss Walk You Through Your Breast Implant Placement Options

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Choosing your breast implant placement is equally important as picking the implant size and type. That said, the Bliss Care Advisors match you with board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in achieving outcomes that are beautiful, comfortable, and long-lasting. You'll work together to choose the best placement for your body and lifestyle, allowing you to confidently enjoy your new look. Get started with Bliss today. All it takes is starting a questionnaire that builds a plan entirely centered on you.