Placement of the breast implant under (behind) the pectoralis muscle is preferred in women with anatomically less breast tissue since the results are more aesthetic. The pectoralis muscle covers about two thirds of the implant. This placement allows for less rippling, though it may still occur in areas not covered by the muscle - specifically the outer sides and bottoms of the breasts. This method results in less cleavage and decreased natural breast movement than subglandular placement. Also, the recovery period is longer and initial pain is greater when compared to subglandular placement. Women also state that they can occasionally feel the implant move with muscle contraction. Placement behind the muscle does not preclude exercise of those muscles, though body builders and weight lifters tend to prefer placement over the muscle.
Placement under the muscle allows for a more natural look and feel than placement over the muscle. Also, the incidence of capsular contracture is decreased with this placement. Placement behind the muscle allows easier breast self-examination and improved imaging results such as mammography when compared to placement in front of the muscle.
Next: "What's the difference between subpectoral and submuscular implant placement?"
