Submuscular Breast Augmentation Dallas
As the terms suggest, submuscular breast implant placement involves the placement of the implant beneath the muscle. This can be achieved through a periareolar, inframammary fold or a transaxillary approach.
Breast augmentation is the improvement of the breast size through the insertion of breast implants. Today’s modern implants are silicone shells filled with either saline, the same sterile saline solution found in IV bags, or filled with silicone gel, which can be of varying density. The implants are placed in a position either between the pectoral muscle and the glandular tissue known as the subglandular approach or beneath the pectoralis major muscle, known as the submuscular approach.
As the terms suggest, submuscular breast implant placement involves the placement of the implant beneath the muscle. This can be achieved through a periareolar, inframammary fold or a transaxillary approach. It is not achievable through the umbilical approach, at least not with any reliability. In fact, the implant is partially submuscular, as the upper inner part of the implant can only be covered by the muscle based on the simple geometry and anatomy of the muscles of the chest wall. This approach was developed in the late 1970s and popularized in the 1980s as a means of minimizing the risks of capsular contracture. Other benefits include a more natural appearance, a possibly lower risk of infection and a smoother takeoff of the upper pole of the breast in some patients. Some authors have suggested that mammograms may be more accurate with implants in the submuscular position though this is a subject of great dispute and in point of fact with the 3D mammogram, it seems to be a minimal advantage if any exists at all. As capsular contracture has come to be better understood, the benefit of submuscular placement has become substantially less of an issue.
Another concern is ripple / wrinkle problems associated with implants. It is definitely true that upper pole ripple / wrinkles will be minimized by submuscular placement of the implant.
This is just one of the approaches for breast augmentation. Everyone’s body is unique, so different approaches are necessary for breast augmentation. The approach used depends on many factors including your desired outcome. Contact the friendly staff of Charles A. Wallace, M.D. for your free consultation today. Dr. Wallace takes the time to discuss your options and answer any questions you have.
