Breast Enlargement Surgery - Types Of Breast Implants

There are a number of different techniques currently being practised by cosmetic surgeons during breast enlargment surgery, and these are likely to vary by the individual cosmetic surgeon and their preferred method, as well as the unique characteristics of the individual patient.

One issue that is commonly discussed by patients considering breast enlargement surgery is the actual placement of the breast implant itself, and whether it should be placed between or on top of the muscle. Both techniques are used during breast enlargement surgery and below we give an overview of both techniques used, looking at the pro's and con's of each.

Subglandular, or 'over the muscle' sees the breast implants being placed above the pectoral muscles and below the breasts mammary gland. The main advantages of this type of breast enlargement surgery are that it is seen as a less complicated procedure, with a shorter recovery period. The reason for this being that the procedure does not include the muscle.

However, with this type of procedure there is an increased risk of capsular contracture and there is also a risk that the implant may cause a visible rippling as there is no muscle seperating the breast implant and the skin.

The second technique commonly used is known as subpectoral or 'under the muscle.' This method sees the breast implant placed underneath the pectoralis major muscle for the majority of the implant (it tends not to cover the lower part of the implant). This placement method does have a lower risk of capsular contracture, and there is a decreased risk of visible rippling through the skin due to the intervention of the muscle.

It should be noted however, that the subpectoral method of breast implants can produce a less natural look in women who have experienced sag in their breast tissue, and rippling can potentially still be seen around the lower part of the breast.