If you need to know about over-the-muscle vs. under-the-muscle placement, Dr. Tag can help. Breast augmentation feels intimidating to many of our Owings Mills and Baltimore patients. You might hear words you’re not used to. You may have tons of questions. Don’t worry. Our team at U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics welcomes questions! We want you to have all the info you need to make the best decision for you and your body. Both over-the-muscle placement and under-the-muscle placement have their own ups and downs. Our concern isn’t merely where the implants go—you deserve to know how their placement can impact your results.
Understanding Over the Muscle Placement (Subglandular)
Over-the-muscle placement means positioning your implants between your breast tissue and the main muscle in your chest. If you hear Dr. Tag say “pectoralis major,” that’s what it means. The over-the-muscle option gives you a straightforward approach with potentially faster recovery times and less initial discomfort. It avoids manipulating your chest muscles directly.
What is Over-the-Muscle Placement?
Above, we mentioned that over-the-muscle placement involves putting your implants above your chest muscle and underneath your breast tissue. Our team has found that patients who prefer this option are looking for enhancement without the additional coverage of their chest muscles. It can provide a more pronounced appearance, especially if your main goal is a fuller bust.
Advantages of Over-the-Muscle Placement
Are you wanting a faster recovery? Over-the-muscle placement may be for you. You might also notice less initial discomfort. Many patients report that this option is convenient. It takes them less time to get back to their regular lives after their treatment.
Considerations for Over-the-Muscle Placement
Does over-the-muscle placement have anything working against it? It can result in more visible implant edges, particularly if you have thinner breast tissue. There’s also a slightly higher risk of complications like capsular contracture, where scar tissue tightens around the implant. We’ll examine that in greater detail shortly.
Exploring Under-the-Muscle Placement (Submuscular)
Now, what about under-the-muscle placement? It’s exactly what it sounds like. Dr. Tag places your implant under your pectoralis major (the largest muscle in your chest) muscle. This method offers several benefits. If you’re interested in preserving a more natural appearance for your body, under-the-muscle placement could be the right choice for you.
What is Under-the-Muscle Placement?
As its name suggests, under-the-muscle placement positions the implants beneath your chest muscle. First, you’ll notice additional coverage and support. Patients in Owings Mills and Baltimore often favor under-the-muscle placement because it can create more authentic curvature in the bustline.
Advantages of Under-the-Muscle Placement
Choosing under-the-muscle placement can result in a softer and more realistic contour. How does our U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics team achieve that? Your muscle helps cover the upper portion of your implant. This placement also lowers the risk of complications like capsular contracture, and it offers you better long-term outcomes.
Considerations for Under-the-Muscle Placement
While under-the-muscle placement offers aesthetic advantages, recovery can be a little more complicated. Patients who pick under-the-muscle placement may feel more discomfort or irritation. It happens because Dr. Tag manipulates your chest muscles during surgery. Are you physically active? You could experience minor temporary implant distortion during strong muscle contraction. But don’t sweat that. Our team will discuss that with you beforehand.
Key Considerations for Choosing Implant Placement
Dr. Tag is happy to help you choose the right implant placement—whether over the muscle (sub-glandular) or under the muscle (submuscular). He will work with you every step of the way.
Your Body Type and Existing Breast Tissue
For individuals with generous breast tissue, over-the-muscle placement might provide better coverage and a quicker recovery. Those with thinner tissue might benefit from under-the-muscle placement. Under-the-muscle placement will help you avoid visible implant edges and will emphasize your body’s unique shape.
Desired Aesthetic Outcome
Think about the look you want to achieve. Over-the-muscle implants may appear more pronounced, especially in women with smaller busts. Under-the-muscle placement can give you a smoother, more refined shape.
Lifestyle and Physical Activity
Are you a runner or a gymnast? Maybe you enjoy yoga? If you enjoy activities that heavily involve your chest muscles (like weightlifting), over-the-muscle placement can sometimes be a good option but many still choose under-the-muscle placement for all the extra benefits. Either approach will allow you to be able to return to all your normal activities once you are healed.
Potential Risks and Complications
Before undergoing breast augmentation in Owings Mills or Baltimore, Dr. Tag wants you to understand the possible risks and difficulties. Everyone deserves to know what they’re up against.
Capsular Contracture
What is capsular contracture? We’ve mentioned it a couple of times now. It happens when scar tissue around your implant tightens. It can potentially cause the breast to feel firm or look distorted. While the risk exists with both placement options, it is lower with under-the-muscle placement due to the muscle covering the implant.
Implant Visibility and Rippling
Over-the-muscle implants, especially in individuals with less breast tissue, may show more visible edges or rippling. This visual concern can be minimized under muscle placement, which provides additional coverage.
Recovery and Discomfort
Recovery from under-the-muscle placement may feel more uncomfortable. Anytime a doctor, like Dr. Tag, does anything to a muscle during surgery, there will be some discomfort. However, recovery from under-the-muscle placement is more manageable than you might think. Dr. Tag takes extra steps to help make the recovery as manageable as possible.
Long-term Considerations
Both placement options have merits and possible drawbacks. Thoroughly discuss these factors with your Dr. Tag to make a decision that aligns with your cosmetic goals and lifestyle. Our team’s expertise will be invaluable in guiding you toward the best choice for U.
Form Your Figure At U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics
Dr. Tag and our team at U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics can tell you anything else you might need to know about over-the-muscle placement or under-the-muscle placement. If you’re local to Owings Mills or Baltimore, go here to schedule an appointment.