Breast Implant Position

Breast Implants can be placed in any one of four positions each of which has its specific advantages. Which implant position is best for you will depend on your breast appearances, breast measurements, physical activities and the ‘look’ you’re after. 

Sub-Muscular (‘under the muscle’)

The implant is placed behind the pectoral muscle.

The advantages of the Sub-Muscular position include:

It creates a more natural appearance because the muscle provides additional coverage over the edges of the implant and thereby helps to avoid a ‘stuck-on’ look and visible ‘step’ along the upper edge of the implant that could occur if the implant was ‘in front of the muscle’ in those with thin tissue coverage. 
There is less chance of Capsular Contracture – the commonest reason for repeat surgery. 
There is less chance of any Rippling/Wrinkling of the implant being visible. 
There is less interference with Mammograms. 
There is less chance of interference with future breast feeding. 
The implants are further away from the breast tissue and are therefore less likely to be involved in any breast diseases or be damaged during any fine needle biopsy of a breast lump.

Pre-Pectoral (‘in front of the muscle’) – sometimes called Sub-Glandular

The implant is placed immediately under the breast tissue itself, between it and the underlying pectoral muscle.

It is preferred to the sub-muscular position:

In those with impending or mild sagging of the breasts, constricted lower breast poles and Tuberous Breasts.
In those engaged in heavy, repetitive pectoral muscle exercises e.g. body builders, weight lifters.

However, it is not a good option for those women with thin chest wall tissues as the insufficient coverage of the implant edges would create an unflattering ‘stuck-on’ appearance. 

Sub-Fascial (‘in front of the muscle’ but ‘under its sheath’)

This is simply a variant of the ‘in front of the muscle’ position with basically the same advantages and disadvantages.

‘Dual Plane’ Placement

A combination of positions 1 and 2 where the upper half of the implant is placed ‘under the muscle’ and the lower half is in direct contact with the lower breast.

The upper half of the implant is placed ‘under the muscle’ to help hide any ‘step’ along the implant’s upper edge that could occur if the implant was entirely ‘in front of the muscle’ 
The lower half of the implant is in direct contact with the breast to provide ‘fill’ and ‘lift’. 
This implant position is preferred in special situations such as mild sagging, constricted lower poles and Tuberous Breasts when there is insufficient chest wall tissue coverage to allow the implant to be placed entirely ‘in front of the muscle’.

Watch Our ‘Breast Augmentation’ Animation Video

Our Specialist Plastic Surgeons

Breast Implants 'Before & After'

Round Silicone Breast Implants

Available in either Smooth or Textured Implant Surfaces
Preferred by those wanting a fuller upper breast ‘look’ or those with significant loss of upper breast volume after pregnancy or major weight loss.

Teardrop Silicone Breast Implants

For breasts that look natural in shape and not ‘stuck-on’!
An implant shape to deliver a natural, straight-line drape of skin from collarbone to nipple instead of a ‘stuck-on look’ that can occur with some Round Implants

Asian Breast Augmentation

Special considerations are essential in Asian Breast Augmentation!
For optimal results, special considerations in terms of implant type, shape, size and surgical technique are essential in Asian Breast Augmentation.

Trans-Axillary Breast Augmentation

Avoids a tell-tale scar anywhere on, or under, the breasts!
The ‘Armpit Approach’ involves inserting an implant through a small incision in a skin crease of the armpit – thus avoiding a scar anywhere on, or under, the breast.

Dual Plane Breast Augmentation

To correct early sagging at the same time!
Our preferred implant placement when there is only mild sagging but not enough to warrant the more invasive ‘lift’ surgery techniques.