Breast Implant Pocket Location
By University of New York Trained, Contributor to Multiple Scientific Articles & Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ludwig Allegra MD
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Above the Pectoralis Major Muscle (Subglandular)
The breast implant is placed above the pectoralis major muscle and underneath the breast glandular tissue. In general you must have at least 2cm of soft tissue on top of the implant to be a good candidate for this technique. The implant is covered only by the breast tissue and therefore adequate breast tissue must be available for soft tissue coverage. If soft tissue coverage over the implant is inadequate complications such as rippling, extrusion (implant exposure) or palpability (feeling the implant or edges of the implant) of the implant may occur.
Below the Pectoralis Major Muscle (Submuscular of Subpectoral)
The breast implant is placed underneath the pectoralis major muscle and above the chest wall (ribs). Soft tissue coverage is more over the upper to middle region of the implant. The submuscular technique is commonly performed with adding a dual plane (may involve separating the muscle from the breast tissue) method. The dual plane technique involves releasing the lower part of the muscle from its attachment and allowing the implant to drop down and the muscle to retract upwards. There are varying degrees in which this technique is performed.
Our plastic surgeon will go over in detail about what pocket location would best suit your needs. There are pros and cons to both techniques.