Submuscular vs. Subglandular

Serving Vancouver and the Portland, Oregon area

If you are considering breast augmentation, you need to understand the difference between submuscular and subglandular implantation. Submuscular implantation refers to the implant being placed under the pectoral muscle, while subglandular implants are placed under the breast gland.

Breast implant surgeon Dr. Workman places most saline breast implants under the pectoralis major (chest muscle) rather than placing the implant under the breast gland. He has three reasons for this preference.

First, placing the implant under the muscle helps decrease any evidence of ripples to the eye or touch. The result is a smoother, more natural looking breast. Your breast will also feel more natural. While a subglandular implant normally will look natural, larger breast implants may appear fake if your tissue is less than one inch thick.

Secondly, numerous studies have suggested that placement under the muscle slightly lowers the chance of the body forming a firm, hard capsule around the breast implant, which can be painful and can require a second surgery.

The third reason is that mammograms will be slightly more sensitive. It is estimated that subglandular breast implants make mammograms 10% more difficult to read. This leads to less effective mammograms, which may cause trouble down the road.

If you have moderately droopy, or "ptotic" breasts and have adequate breast tissue, or have a strong preference for subglandular breast implants, we will help you explore this option at your free consultation.

If you are considering breast augmentation and would like to learn more about submuscular or subglandular implants, contact breast implant surgeon Dr. Workman today to schedule a free consultation.