The 3 Main Breast Implant Placement Choices—Pros and Cons

Over the Muscle - in front of the muscle, and behind the breast tissue.

Pros

• Shorter recovery time

• Accommodates larger implants

• Allows natural cleavage

Cons

• Rippling more visible

• Highest capsular contracture rates

• May have an unnatural look

Partial Submuscular - implant is located beneath the top 2/3 of the pectoral (chest muscle).

Pros

• Low risk of rippling

• Low risk of capsular contracture

• More visible mammograms

Cons

• Longer recovery time

• More discomfort in recovery

• Implant size limited

Complete Subpectoral (submuscular) - implant is completely behind the pectoral muscle.

Pros

• Lowest risk of rippling

• Lower risk of capsular contracture

• More visible mammograms

Cons

• Longer recovery time

• Longer time to settle

• Implant size limited