Implants can be placed in one of four locations:
1. Sub-Muscular (‘under the muscle’)
This refers to the implant being placed behind the pectoral muscle. Dr Mayson recommends this location whenever possible for the following reasons:
- more importantly than for any other reason, it creates a more natural appearance because the muscle provides additional tissue coverage over the edges of the implant and thus avoids both a ‘stuck on’ look and a visible ‘step’ along the upper edge of the implant that could occur if the implant was placed in ‘front of the muscle’.
- there is less chance of visible Rippling/Wrinkling
- there is less chance of Capsular Contracture
- there is less interference with mammograms.
- there is less chance of interference with breast feeding.
- it is less contributory to future sagging of the breasts.
- the implants are further away from the breast tissue and are therefore less likely to be involved in breast diseases or be damaged during any fine needle biopsy of a breast lump.
2. Sub-Glandular, sometimes called Pre-Pectoral (‘in front of the muscle’)
This refers to the implant being placed immediately beneath the breast tissue itself, between it and the underlying pectoral muscle. This location is preferred to sub-muscular in those with sagging breasts or those engaged in repetitive pectoral muscle exercises which they do not wish to cease.
3. Sub-Fascial (‘in front of the muscle’ but ‘under its sheath’)
This is simply a variation of the ‘in front of the muscle’ location.
4. ‘Dual Plane’ Placement
This is a combination of positions 1 and 2 where the upper half of the implant is positioned behind the muscle and the lower half is behind the breast. This is Dr Mayson’s preferred procedure when there is only mild sagging of the breasts, the reason being that the lower half of the implant provides ‘lift’ to the breast while the upper half of the implant is placed ‘under the muscle’ to help hide any ‘step’ at the upper edge of the implant that could otherwise result if the implant was entirely ‘in front of the muscle’.
Each implant position has its advantages and disadvantages. Which implant position is best for you will depend on your breast characteristics, lifestyle, preferred implants and most importantly the look you desire.
