Typically, placing the implant over the muscle (sub-glandular) is not painful and there is much less recovery time involved. However, those who have sub-muscular placement (under the muscle) do experience some pain, much of which is due to muscle stretching.
Having implants under the muscle tends to be more painful than over the muscles as your surgeon will need to make an incision in the muscle, as well as the breast tissue, to create the 'pocket' that your breast implant will fit inside. You can expect to feel the most pain in the first one to three days after surgery.
Your Recovery
You may feel sore for 2 to 3 weeks, and you'll likely have a lot of swelling. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in your breast area. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day, although you may need pain medicine for a week or two.
The under the muscle or submuscular approach involves placing the implants below the chest muscle. This is usually a good option for women with little native breast tissue, as the muscle offers greater coverage. The results tend to look more natural than breasts that are placed above the muscle.
Implants may become distorted when the chest muscle contracts. Higher chance of the implant migrating upwards and towards the armpit. Higher chance of secondary deformities, such as “double-bubble” deformity, along the lower pole of the breast. Slightly longer and more uncomfortable surgery and recovery period.
“Can Breast Implants Look Good Above the Muscle?” Yes! Breast implants can look fantastic above the muscle. The key is to have them properly sized and positioned, and to choose the right type of implant for the patient.
The truth is, whether implants are placed over or under the muscle, it will have very little to do with sagging. Sagging is commonly caused by weight gain or loss, pregnancy and gravity over time. It's easiest to remember it this way – it's the breasts that sag, not the implants.
Women with moderate existing breast tissue might be good candidates for an over the muscle implant. This usually calls for at least a B cup. Having enough breast tissue or “good fat” in the chest makes you a good candidate for over the muscle placement, which comes with a shorter recovery period.
With this, your muscles should begin to relax, allowing your implants to gradually settle and soften. The entire drop and fluff process can take three to six months to complete, however, so don't worry if your implants still feel tight or look a bit high even after most of the swelling has dissipated.
How long do I need to wear a compression garment following breast augmentation surgery? You will be advised to wear a compressive bra for two to three weeks post-operatively following breast implant placement. It should be worn 24/7 and removed only while taking a shower.
Too much use of the muscles might result in the shifting of the implant. This will cause an asymmetrical and unnatural shape of the breast as the implant moves outward or downward. It may also contribute to increased swelling, bruising, and soreness. Undesired scar formation can also develop.
Patients should start light walking immediately after surgery – nothing strenuous, just short walks around the room or home every other hour. This is good for the circulation and helps prevent blood clots. After two weeks, patients can start more intense cardio such as walking on a treadmill or walking uphill.
More specifically, should your implants be placed above or below the pectoral muscle to achieve the most natural-looking results? For qualified patients, placing breast implants above the muscle (submammary position) can often create exceptional results.
Some of my Montreal breast augmentation patients complain about stomach bloating after surgery. However, it is important to remember that it is generally not harmful. Maximum swelling usually occurs 3-5 days after your surgery and it will generally go away completely in two weeks and even as early as 5 to 7 days.
Under the muscle placement has the advantage of looking more natural because your breast tissue and muscle are covering the implant. Other benefits of submuscular placement include: A lower risk of visible implant rippling. Better imaging with mammograms.
When you first wake up from your breast implants surgery, your new breasts will likely be high up on your chest and feel hard to the touch. Don't be alarmed; this is completely normal, and your newly augmented breasts will eventually settle and soften, typically within 6 months. Read on as Dr.
Placing the implant below the muscle does typically make the implant look slightly smaller as the muscle will give the implant a touch more of a natural slope. It also compresses the implant, which makes the breast look slightly smaller.
Beneath that layer is a layer of pectoralis major muscle. During a breast augmentation, a small incision is made, usually, in the crease under the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit, and the implant can be inserted in one of two locations: Submuscular – Beneath the pectoralis major muscle.
There is a chance that the breast size of female bodybuilders will fluctuate to some degree based on the frequency in which they compete. This is precisely the reason why breast implants are so common among female bodybuilders.
The next advantage of implants under the muscle is that they tend to look and feel more natural because there is more natural tissue covering up the implant. The implant is less palpable and there is a lower likelihood of seeing or feeling rippling of the implant which can occur along the periphery of the prosthesis.
If you have a moderate amount of breast tissue: If you have approximately 3 cm or greater of breast tissue (your surgeon will tell you the amount of tissue you have), you have a real choice between above and below the muscle.
Factors that Impact How Fast Breast Implants will Drop
Implants that are placed above the muscle (subglandular placement) typically drop faster than breast implants placed under the muscle (submuscular placement).