Breast implant placement options – what you should know

Considering breast augmentation in Toronto

There are many reasons to consider a breast implant procedure – you may be unhappy with how your clothes fit, have unevenly shaped or lopsided breasts, or need reconstruction after surgery or an accident. Most people don’t decide to have breast surgery without considering all the pros and cons. One of the decisions you will need to make is implant placement. This article discusses what breast implant placement options are with Dr. David Boudana at his Toronto Plastic Surgery Clinic.

HOW ARE THE IMPLANTS INSERTED?

Breast augmentation involves placing an implant behind each breast. In Toronto, the implant can be saline or silicone gel-filled, designed to feel like normal breast tissue. The implant shell is made from surgical-grade silicone or polyurethane, and the filling can be either saline (salt water) or silicone gel.

There are three options for inserting the implant. Dr. Boudana can make an incision (cut) in the skin:

  • under the fold of the breast (where your breast meets the upper abdomen) to hide any scars that may occur when the incision has healed
  • in the armpit
  • on the outer edge of the areola (dark skin around the nipple)

Dr. Boudana will advise you on the best placement option and where the incision will be based on your most suitable choice.

Once the incision is made, he creates a pocket for implant placement and closes the wound with internal stitches.

POSITION OF THE IMPLANTS

The position of the implants depends on several factors, such as how thick the breast tissue is and how well it will cover the implant once it is in place. The type and size of the implant may also affect placement decisions. There are three options for the placement of implants:

Submuscular – under the pectoralis major muscle of the chest wall

Submuscular placement reduces the risk of visibility or palpability of the changes associated with capsular contraction, a complication of all breast implants that can make the breast feel hard and uncomfortable. Submuscular placement also results in a more natural appearance of the breast.

Subglandular – under the breast tissue and on top of the pectoralis major muscle

Subglandular implant placement has a quicker recovery time than Submuscular placement. It is a good option for women with adequate upper pole volume to cover the implant and physically active women who use their pectoral muscles in sports or weight training because muscle function won’t interfere with the implant. Subglandular implants are also recommended for women with mild breast sagging from pregnancy/breastfeeding or weight loss, as they can specifically augment the loss of upper pole fullness. Subglandular placement is less ideal for women with a thin chest wall and those with inadequate soft tissue cover at the upper pole.

Muscle split placement – a combination of submuscular and subglandular

In this technique, the upper half of the implant is placed under the muscle, and the lower half remains in front (but under the breast tissue). This placement provides a good breast lift and fill of the lower breast but hides the edge of the implant under the muscle at the top.

Ultimately, Dr. Boudana is the best person to guide you on decisions about the placement of implants. He can advise you on all the options available so that you get the best result and the way you want your breasts to look.

To learn more about breast implants for breast augmentation, please visit Breast augmentation or call us – 416 785-7864



READY to Begin Your Transformation?

Schedule your personal or virtual consultation with Dr. David Boudana.

During your consultation, Dr. Boudana will take the time to address your specific goals and to discuss your treatment options. He will determine if you are a good candidate for cosmetic surgery and review the results that can be realistically achieved. He will also help you determine which complementary procedures may benefit you the most.