Posted October 28, 2025 in Breast Implants
3 minute read
Breast implants can be a fantastic way to regain confidence in your body. One of the first decisions you’ll have to make in your breast augmentation journey is to choose if your breast implants will go over the muscle (subglandular placement) or under the muscle (submuscular placement). Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice you make will depend on your body and preferences.
Keep reading for a comprehensive overview of both over and under the muscle breast implants to help you determine which placement is right for you.
Over the Muscle Breast Implant Placement
Over the muscle, or subglandular, placement positions the implant between the existing breast tissue and the chest muscle.
Pros of Subglandular Implants:
- Faster recovery time compared to submuscular placement
- Typically less post-operation pain
- Best suited for individuals with sufficient natural breast tissue
- Less risk of muscle interference with the implant
Cons of Subglandular Implants:
- Higher risk of rippling
- Can look less natural (especially in patients who have insufficient natural breast tissue)
- Mammogram interference risk
- Higher capsular contracture risk
Under the Muscle Breast Implant Placement
Under the muscle, or submuscular, breast implants can be positioned partially or fully behind the pectoralis major muscle.
Pros of Submuscular Implants:
- More natural look, especially in the upper portion of the breast
- Reduced rippling (especially for saline implants)
- Best suited for individuals with less natural breast tissue
- Better visibility during mammograms
Cons of Submuscular Implants:
- Longer recovery period
- Slightly more complicated procedure
- Risk of muscle interference during high-intensity activities like weight lifting, where the muscle causes the implant to shift or change shape
Tips for Choosing Your Implant Placement
Ultimately, deciding which type of breast implant placement you want is a personal decision. Some of the key questions and factors you’ll want to consider are:
- Mammograms: If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, you may want to opt for implants under the muscle to reduce the risk of mammogram interference.
- Natural breast tissue: Over the muscle implants are typically well-suited for those who have enough natural breast tissue to cover the implant. Individuals with minimal natural breast tissue will have optimal results with an implant placed under the muscle because the muscle helps to conceal the implant.
- Pain and recovery: For those concerned about post-surgical pain and recovery time, over the muscle implant placement tends to result in a faster, less uncomfortable recovery.
Which Breast Implant Placement Is Right For Me?
It can feel overwhelming trying to weigh all the different factors that contribute to your customized breast augmentation. When you book a breast augmentation consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, they will listen to your aesthetic goals, evaluate your body type, and recommend the approach that will yield the best possible results. At the end of the day, both under and over the muscle implants can achieve fantastic outcomes.
Interested in Breast Augmentation in Washington, D.C.?
If you’re ready to take the next step, book your breast augmentation consultation with one of the experienced plastic surgeons at DAVinci Plastic Surgery. Triple board-certified surgeon Dr. Steven Davison and double board-certified surgeon Dr. Ximena Pinell both have extensive expertise in advanced breast augmentation techniques. Call (202) 966-9590 or complete our online contact form to get started today.
