Techniques for Breast Implant Placement By Stuart Baker on February 13, 2016

Breast implant placement optionsWhen patients meet with Dr. Stuart Baker, they know that they are partnering with one of the truly skilled plastic surgeons in the greater Champaign area. He has achieved excellent results with aesthetic enhancement procedures, particularly breast augmentation surgery, which can enhance a woman's curves and overall figure.

There are different ways to place and position the breast implants during surgery. Let's go over these matters right now.

Incision Methods for Breast Augmentation

When placing the breast implants themselves, there are a few options to consider. They are as follows:

  • Inframammary Incisions – Inframammary incisions for breast augmentation are located along the underside of the breasts where the breast meets the chest.

  • Areola Incisions – Areola incisions for breast augmentation are located around the areolas, and are carefully made to minimize visible scarring.

  • Transaxillary Incisions – Transaxillary incisions for breast augmentation are located in the armpit. Only saline breast implants can be placed with this incision method.

  • Transumbilical Incisions – Transumbilical incisions for breast augmentation are located in the belly button. Only saline breast implants can be placed with this incision method.

Options for Placing and Positioning the Breast Implants

As far as the placement and position of the breast implants in the breasts themselves, there are a two common options to consider:

  • Submuscular Breast Implant Placement – During submuscular placement, the breast implant is positioned under the mammary gland and the pectoral muscle.

  • Subglandular Breast Implant Placement – During Subglandular placement, the breast implant is positioned under the mammary gland but above the pectoral muscle.

Which Is Better: Under the Muscle or Over the Muscle?

There is no one answer to this since patients have different needs. In general, submuscular placement of the implants can help prevent capsular contracture (a painful post-surgical complication) and also yield better aesthetic results with less instances of rippling.

However, when implants are placed in a subglandular fashion, they often result in more pronounced cleavage and a less painful recovery process.

Considering Many Factors Other for the Surgery

In addition to the placement and incision options, a plastic surgeon must consider the type of implants used, the size of the implants, and the frame and current figure of the patient. As you can imagine, these various factors all have to be weighed carefully to yield the best results. That's why it's so important to partner with a skilled cosmetic surgeon.

Tailoring the Surgery to Your Needs

During the consultation process, we will carefully consider all of your options and goals to help you get the surgery you need to look your absolute best. We'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, address your concerns, and also make recommendations and suggestions to you based on your needs. Tailoring surgery to each patient will yield the best results and increases the chances of continued patient satisfaction years down the road.

Contact The Center for Cosmetic Medicine

For more information about breast augmentation and how it can help you look your best and achieve your aesthetic goals, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center today. Dr. Stuart Baker and his team will work with you to ensure your surgery is fully tailored to meet your needs.

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Dr. Stuart Baker

The Center for Cosmetic Medicine

Dr. Stuart Baker is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience. He has been recognized as a "master injector" by Allergan, the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM® products, for excellent patient outcomes. In addition to being a skilled plastic surgeon, he is also an orthopedic hand surgery specialist. His prestigious affiliations include:

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons — ASPS 
  • American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery — ASAPS 
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery — AACS 
  • American Medical Association — AMA 

Use our online form to schedule a consultation at a location near you in Monticello, Champaign, or Decatur. Or call us at:

(217) 877-9000

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