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Velvet Digest

What is Submuscular breast augmentation?

Author

Christopher Snyder

Updated on May 17, 2026

Submuscular breast augmentation involves placement of an implant in a plane below the pectoralis major muscle. Breast augmentation is usually performed to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts. Surgery can often improve an individual's self-image.

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Beside this, is it better to get breast implants over or under the muscle?

Placing the breast implant over the muscle and directly under the skin - prepectoral breast implant placement - is anatomically correct, as the anatomic position of actual breast tissue before mastectomy is over the pectoralis muscle and under the skin.

Subsequently, question is, what is Subglandular breast augmentation? Subglandular. Subglandular placement refers to when the breast implants are placed between the breast tissue and the pectoral muscle. However, this can be solved by using silicone gel implants which have been considered to look and feel more natural than saline in this situation.

Also to know, what does Submuscular mean?

Definition of submuscular. : situated beneath a muscle or muscular layer.

Is the muscle cut during breast augmentation?

On the left, the breast implant is shown above the pectoralis major muscle. On the right, the implant is under the pectoralis major muscle. Note that the muscle on the right is cut or “released”. This allows the implant to settle nicely to the base of the breast.

Related Question Answers

Do breast implants get bigger after they drop?

After dropping, the implants relax or “fluff” into the lower breast areas, taking on the natural teardrop shape which is more projected. The breasts begin to look larger with normal contours, taking on the appearance the patient had in mind when she started the process.

Do breast implants soften over time?

Over time as the breast pocket stretches, your breasts implants will eventually soften, typically by 6 months after your surgery. It is possible that as your breasts settle, they will do so asymmetrically. There is no need to worry about this, as typically your breasts will eventually settle into an even position.

What are gummy bear implants?

The term “gummy bear” is actually a nickname for these teardrop-shaped, gel-based implants. They're known to retain their shape better than other types of breast implants made from saline and silicone. Silicone implants are also only approved for those ages 22 or older.

How long does it take implants to drop?

The implants start to drop after a few days. At six weeks they are usually almost there, and they have typically reached their final position after three months.

How long do breast implants under the muscle last?

Although breast implants don't actually expire, they aren't guaranteed to last a lifetime. The average saline or silicone implants may last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. However, many are removed sooner due to complications or cosmetic concerns.

What causes double bubble in breast implants?

The double-bubble deformity occurs when a breast implant sits lower than the old inframammary crease. It can occur when a breast implant is positioned below the old crease at surgery or when an implant falls below the crease with the passage of time creating a contour deformity.

How do breast implants stay in place?

A plastic surgeon places the implant either behind or in front of the muscle in your chest (pectoral muscle). Implants that are put in front of the muscle are held in place using a special tissue called acellular dermal matrix. Over time, your body replaces this tissue with collagen.

Why do they put breast implants under the muscle?

Pros: Using smooth implants under the pectoralis muscles reduces the capsular contracture rate to less than 10%. When the pectoralis muscle is contracted during exercise or in some daily movements, the muscle flattens the implants and pushes them outward, changing the shape of the breast.

Where is the best place for breast implants?

Your surgeon will usually place the implant in a pocket directly behind your breast as this gives the most natural result. However, if you do not have enough breast skin and tissue to cover the implant, your surgeon may recommend placing the implant behind the pectoral muscle.

Can you feel under the muscle implants?

If you have your implants placed under the muscle, you'll probably be able to feel them move within their pocket when you do certain exercises involving the chest. It can be a little unnerving at first, but this too is completely normal. Your implants will not pop out of place, and you will not ruin their shape.

Do Subglandular implants look natural?

A: Natural Looking Breast Implants Natural looking implants depend on the placement of the implant (subglandular or submuscular, but also the placement of the implant on the chest wall, and the size, shape and material of the implant. Another consideration is natural-feeling breast implants, not just natural looking.

Where do you get breast implants?

The implant is placed behind the pectoralis major muscle and behind all of the supporting fascia (connective tissue) and non-pectoral muscle groups. Submuscular implants tend to be the best for mammograms, as they put the implant fully behind the area that needs to be examined.

How do you fix a rippling breast implant?

Reposition the implant: Repositioning the breast implant under the chest muscles might help by giving the implant more soft tissue padding, thereby reducing visibility of rippling. Change the shape of implant: Changing round implants to anatomical (tear-shaped) implants, which tend to ripple less.

What is a Subpectoral implant?

The terms subpectoral and subglandular refer to the positioning of the breast implants within your body. "Subpectoral" denotes an implant pocket that is positioned in a plane beneath, or deep to, the pectoral muscle of the chest.

What does capsular contracture look like?

The breasts will usually appear normal in shape but feel somewhat firm to the touch. Grade 3: Grade three capsular contracture presents itself with obvious cosmetic symptoms. The breasts will be firm to the touch and appear abnormal, e.g., they will be overly round, hard-looking and the nipples may be misshapen.

How much bruising is normal after augmentation?

Bruising is normally gone in two weeks after your operation. Approximately 80% of your swelling will be gone in 3-4 weeks after surgery. The last 20% will gradually subside over the next few months.

Can you squeeze fake breasts?

It's true that breast implants are strong enough to withstand even the most enthusiastic gropes and squeezes. However, those things are not totally invincible. It's rare, but implant rupture does happen. It is possible for an implant to become damaged and spring a leak.

Do breast implants look smaller at first?

Breast Implants Start High Your breasts may also look smaller than you were hoping for. At first, the muscle and breast tissues are tight, compressing your implant. In time, these tissues will relax and loosen, and the implant will fall into a more natural-looking position. Your breast size may also increase slightly.

Can you get cleavage with breast implants?

Breast augmentation can only do so much for your cleavage. That's a good thing for most women. Unfortunately, you can't get this kind of cleavage with breast augmentation if your breasts are naturally spaced far apart. Yes, your breasts may get a bit closer to each other, but only by so much.