By: Scott Green, MD

As a breast augmentation patient in Sacramento, you have a lot of say in how your results will look, so you need to know what over- or under-the-muscle placement means for your new shape. In my previous post on implant positioning, I gave you some questions to ask yourself about how you will want your breasts to look. This post is all about helping you identify what your anatomy “tells” you about which implant placement option is best.

Under- vs. Over-the-Muscle Placement

Many of my breast augmentation patients come in for their consultation unsure about which implant placement option is right for them. It’s not surprising; many women haven’t even heard about how implants are placed before they start talking with a plastic surgeon. Under the muscle placement is generally appropriate for almost all women, particularly those who are thinner or more muscular. On the other hand, for a natural look, over the muscle placement is appropriate only for women who have more or “perkier” breast tissue to begin with.

It’s also worth noting that under the muscle placement involves more surgical disruption of the breast area, which can mean additional discomfort and a slightly longer recovery time. These factors should not be the “main issue,” but you should still keep your comfort level and healing abilities in mind when you’re thinking over your choice.

Other Considerations

Under the muscle placement is usually better for women after pregnancy and others with sagging breast tissue, since the muscle helps the implant hold its position better over time. For women with more youthful or firmer skin, an over the muscle approach to breast augmentation in Sacramento is usually fine, but could pose extra risks of sagging and stretch marks down the road.

Remember: Depending on your body and health history, only one option might be appropriate, so be sure to ask your surgeon not just “which” option they recommend, but “how well” it’s suited to your body.