Partial Submuscular (also Known as Dual Plane) Breast Implant Placement
While this placement is known by several names, as noted below, they all refer to placement of the breast implant partially below the chest muscle. The lower half of the implant is not covered by muscle while the upper half is covered. This placement is also referred to as retropectoral or dual plane. Sometimes plastic surgeons and others refer to this placement as submuscular or subpectoral but these terms can also apply to the next placement, complete submuscular. See illustration at left for details. Note how the bottom portion of the breast implant is not covered by the muscle.
Pros of Partial Sub-muscular (Dual Plane) Breast Implant Placement
- Lower risk of capsular contracture
- Lower risk of visible rippling although palpable or visible rippling is possible at the bottom of the implant which is still covered only by skin or tissue
Cons of Partial Sub-muscular (Dual Plane) Breast Implant Placement
- Less natural appearance in women with sag. Breast implant is positioned in a place above where sagging breast tissue is. May create an appearance of two bulges, rather than on breast (known as double bubble).
- Implants take longer to "drop" after surgery.
- Flexing of muscles during exercise can contract implant into unnatural appearance.
- Rippling still possible on bottom of implant.
- Lack of support for weight of implant at the bottom creates risk of needing a lift later despite placement of top of implant under muscle.
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