When considering breast augmentation, one of the key decisions is where to place the implants. Traditionally, implants have been placed beneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement), but placing them in front of the muscle (subglandular placement) beneath the glandular breast tissue offers distinct advantages for certain patients. This technique can be particularly effective when paired with advanced Motiva® implants. In light of the growing popularity of Motiva® implants, it’s helpful to understand why this placement option might be ideal for some patients and how Motiva® implants enhance its benefits.
Understanding Breast Implant Placement Options
Breast augmentation surgery offers two primary placement options. The main difference lies in the implant’s position relative to chest anatomy:
- Subglandular Placement: The implant is positioned above the pectoral muscle but beneath the breast tissue, enhancing natural breast contours without interfering with chest muscles. How much breast tissue a patient has is a crucial factor in deciding between subglandular and submuscular placement.
- Submuscular Placement: The implant is placed under the pectoral muscle, which can provide a more seamless transition for patients with minimal breast tissue but requires more extensive surgery and interaction with deeper tissues.
Women with adequate breast tissue often benefit from subglandular placement due to its simpler procedure and aesthetic versatility. Those with less tissue may prefer submuscular placement to reduce visible rippling or implant edges. The choice between these methods also depends on factors such as your anatomy and desired aesthetic outcome. Consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures a personalized approach tailored to your goals, as plastic surgeons consider factors such as the type of implants and placement techniques.
Advantages of Subglandular Implant Placement
Placing breast implants above the pectoral muscle has distinct benefits that appeal to many patients:
- Faster Recovery Time: Subglandular placement avoids cutting or manipulating chest muscles, resulting in less surgical trauma, reduced pain, and quicker recovery compared to submuscular placement.
- Reduced Risk of Animation Deformity: Animation deformity can occur when implants visibly shift or distort due to chest muscle contractions. Subglandular placement avoids this issue entirely, making it a great choice for active individuals who engage in weightlifting, yoga, or other physical activities.
- Natural Appearance for Patients with Adequate Breast Tissue: For patients with sufficient natural breast tissue or fat, placing implants above the muscle can create a soft, natural look without the “stuck-on” appearance sometimes associated with submuscular placement.
- Accommodates Larger Implants: Because the pectoral muscle does not limit implant size, patients seeking more dramatic volume can benefit from this approach
- Shorter Surgery Duration and Less Invasive Procedure: Subglandular placement typically involves less dissection compared to submuscular techniques, minimizing surgical impact and reducing the likelihood of complications.
- Easier Revision Surgery
Future corrections or revisions are simpler with subglandular implants since they are more accessible without disturbing deeper tissues.
Why Motiva Implants Are Ideal for Subglandular Placement
Motiva® implants are uniquely suited for prepectoral placement due to their advanced design and technology:
- Minimized Rippling: Traditional implants placed above the muscle can sometimes cause visible rippling in patients with thin breast tissue. Motiva’s ProgressiveGel® and SmoothSilk® surface significantly reduce this risk, contributing to a smooth and natural result.
- Avoids Animation Deformity: Thanks to their ergonomic design and cohesive gel-shell structure, Motiva® implants maintain their position without interacting with the pectoral muscle. This makes them ideal for athletic patients who want freedom of movement without compromising aesthetics.
- Natural Look and Feel: Motiva Ergonomix® implants adapt dynamically to body movements, mimicking the behavior of natural breast tissue. This ensures a lifelike appearance whether you’re standing upright or lying down.
- Enhanced Safety Features: Motiva’s BluSeal® Barrier prevents silicone leakage while their FDA-approved SmoothSilk® surface minimizes capsular contracture risks— concerns in subglandular placements.
- Quicker Recovery: The ergonomic design and biocompatible materials used in Motiva® implants complement the less-invasive nature of subglandular placement, enabling faster healing with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
Is Subglandular Placement Right for You?
While subglandular placement offers many advantages, it is important to consider your unique anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals when choosing an implant position. Beyond that, in our Seattle plastic surgery clinic, our ultimate goal is to ensure that your procedure is tailored to your needs while prioritizing your safety and long-term satisfaction.
By combining innovative implant technology like Motiva® with thoughtful surgical planning, you can achieve beautiful results that enhance your confidence and fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
