Over the Muscle vs Under the Muscle Breast Augmentation: What’s the Difference?

Many women feel insecure about their breasts, whether it’s because of their size, shape, or loss of volume due to pregnancy. A breast augmentation, or an augmentation mammaplasty, is an effective surgical procedure that comes with many benefits. Patients can expect a boost in confidence, rectify asymmetry, achieve a more proportional shape, and even replace existing breast implants.

If you’re curious about breast augmentation and the other details that fall under this umbrella, you may also be wondering about which breast implant placement would be best for you. At Fiala Aesthetics, Dr. Fiala will evaluate your anatomy, listen to your needs and concerns, and create a surgical plan tailored to you.

What Is Over the Muscle Breast Augmentation?

In the past, the only option for over the muscle augmentation was known as subglandular placement. This approach means the breast implant is placed above the chest muscle, also known as the pectoral muscle, and behind the natural breast tissue. However, an improved version of this technique, known as subfascial placement, has now become popular. The pectoral fascia, a layer of connective tissue, covers the implant. This method offers an improvement in the capsule rate versus subglandular placement. Dr. Fiala offers this to patients as well.

An over the muscle breast augmentation allows for a shorter recovery time because the pectoral muscle is not cut or stretched. Additionally, the implants don’t shift when patients flex their chest muscles.

A subfascial placement also provides a fuller, rounder look, resembling the appearance of a push-up bra. This breast implant placement may be highly favored for women with active lifestyles who regularly exercise their chest muscles.

What Is Under the Muscle Breast Augmentation?

Another option is a submuscular placement. This is placed beneath the pectoral muscle but above the chest wall. There are a few variations of this—and Dr. Fiala prefers the “dual-plane” version for most women. The result is a more natural breast slope and soft tissue coverage. While a submuscular placement may shift when you flex your chest muscles, it can also reduce the risk of breast implant rippling, and should be considered for slender women.

This placement may reduce the likelihood of breast surgery complications such as capsular contracture, where the scar tissue tightens around the implant. Recovery may also be longer as the pectoral muscle is stretched and manipulated.

How Dr. Fiala Chooses the Best Breast Implant Placement

Choosing between over the muscle and under the muscle breast augmentation is not always as simple as patient preference. During your consultation, Dr. Fiala will evaluate your natural breast tissue, skin thickness, chest anatomy, and overall body proportions to determine which placement may provide the safest and most attractive result.

Patients with more natural breast tissue may have sufficient coverage for over the muscle implants. This can be helpful for women who want a fuller, rounder look or who want to avoid implant movement when flexing their chest muscles. Patients with less natural breast tissue may benefit from an under the muscle placement because the muscle can provide an additional layer of coverage over the implant.

Dr. Fiala will also consider your breast implant size, lifestyle, and long-term goals. A larger implant may require different planning than a smaller, more subtle implant. Women who exercise frequently, lift weights, or use their chest muscles often may also need to discuss how each placement may affect comfort and implant movement.

The right implant should match your anatomy, desired look, and lifestyle. A personalized consultation is the best way to decide which option makes the most sense for your body.

Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation in Orlando, FL

If you’re ready for a breast augmentation in Orlando, Florida, then Fiala Aesthetics will be happy to help you explore the different types of breast implants and determine which placement will best suit you. Dr. Thomas Fiala has extensive experience, delivering stunning results safely and with compassion for his patients.

He is a board-certified plastic surgeon and was voted the #1 Best Plastic Surgeon in Orlando, Florida, by the readers of Orlando Magazine. Serving patients in and around Greater Central Florida: Orlando, Altamonte, Lake Mary, Maitland, Winter Park, Clermont, Casselberry, Longwood, Celebration, Heathrow, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Sanford, Deltona, DeLand, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, The Villages, and more.

For more information about breast implant placement options, call (407) 339-3222 or fill out our online contact form today!