Submuscular vs. Subglandular Breast Implants: Pros and Cons

When considering breast augmentation, one of the key decisions is the placement of the implants. The two primary options are sub-muscular (under the chest muscle) and sub-glandular (over the muscle, under the breast tissue) placement. Each method has advantages and disadvantages depending on factors like aesthetic goals, lifestyle, and anatomy. Below, we explore the pros and cons of each approach to help you make an informed decision.

What is it?

In this technique, the implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle, partially or fully covered by muscle tissue.

✔️ More Natural Look & Feel – The extra muscle coverage softens the implant’s appearance, reducing the chance of visible edges or rippling, especially in women with little natural breast tissue.
✔️ Lower Risk of Capsular Contracture – Studies suggest this placement has a lower incidence of capsular contracture, a complication where scar tissue hardens around the implant.
✔️ Better Mammogram Visibility – Implants placed under the muscle interfere less with mammograms, making breast cancer screening more effective.
✔️ Smoother Transition at the Upper Pole – More coverage over the implant helps create a gentler slope, which many women prefer for a more natural breast contour. 

❌ Longer Recovery Time – Surgery is more invasive as it involves lifting the muscle, leading to more postoperative discomfort and longer healing time.
❌ Animation Deformity – Since the implant sits under the muscle, movement of the pectoral muscles can cause visible distortion, especially in physically active women.
❌ Implants May Sit Higher Initially – The muscle tightness can cause implants to ride high initially, requiring time to settle into their final position. ❌"Waterfall change" can develop, where the breast sags slightly below the implant.

What Is It?

Here, the implant is placed beneath the breast tissue but above the chest muscle.

✔️ Quicker Recovery – Since the chest muscle is left untouched, there is typically less postoperative pain and a faster recovery period.
✔️ Less Implant Distortion with Muscle Movement – Since the implants aren’t affected by the pectoral muscles, there is no risk of "animation deformity" when flexing or exercising.
✔️ More Volume in the Upper Breast – The implants sit higher and create a more pronounced cleavage, which may be desirable for some patients.
✔️ Better for Athletes & Bodybuilders – Women who are highly active may prefer this option since the muscle remains untouched.

❌ Higher Risk of Visible Rippling – Because the implant is closer to the skin, there’s a higher risk of visible rippling or edges, especially in women with minimal breast tissue.
❌ Increased Capsular Contracture Risk – The risk of capsular contracture is slightly higher in subglandular placement compared to submuscular.
❌ More Interference with Mammograms – Since the implant is directly under the breast tissue, it can obscure mammogram results, requiring additional imaging techniques.
❌ May Look Less Natural in Slim Women – Without muscle coverage, implants may appear more pronounced, especially in patients with a thin frame or little natural breast tissue. 

The best implant placement depends on your body type, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.

• Choose Submuscular if:
  ✅ You want a more natural look, especially if you have little natural breast tissue.
  ✅ You’re concerned about rippling or implant edges being visible.
  ✅ You want a lower risk of capsular contracture.
  ✅ You want better mammogram accuracy.
• Choose Subglandular if:
  ✅ You prefer a faster recovery.
  ✅ You want fuller upper-pole volume and a more prominent cleavage.
  ✅ You are an athlete or bodybuilder and want to avoid muscle distortion.
  ✅ You have enough natural breast tissue to cover the implant.

Every patient’s anatomy and goals are different, so the best choice should be made in consultation with a specialist surgeon. Mr. Green will assess your body type, skin elasticity, breast tissue, and lifestyle to recommend the most suitable implant placement for your desired outcome.

Still have questions? Book a consultation today to explore the best options for your breast augmentation journey!