What is Under-the-Muscle Breast Augmentation?
Technically known as submuscular placement, an under-the-muscle breast augmentation involves placing a breast implant beneath the pectoral muscle in the chest. This placement creates a more natural look and can help reduce the risk of issues like visible implant edges. Of course, under-the-muscle implants also have a few potential downsides, and you need to understand both their pros and cons before choosing this type of implant placement.
How Under-the-Muscle Breast Augmentation Is Performed
Patients often wonder how an under-the-muscle breast implant is placed. Well, wonder no more! Here is a step-by-step overview of how the procedure is done to help you visualize the process.
- Your plastic surgeon will begin by making an incision in your breast. The two of you will discuss the specifics of incision placement at your consultation, but it’s usually made around the areola or in the crease beneath the breast.
- The pectoral muscle is carefully separated from the chest wall, creating a pocket behind the muscle for the implant to sit in.
- After the pocket is created, your surgeon will place the breast implant inside it. They will, of course, make sure the implant is placed properly to ensure a desirable, symmetrical result.
- When they’re happy with the implant placement, your surgeon will close their incisions and place you in a surgical support bra.
Benefits of Under-the-Muscle Breast Augmentation
There are many good reasons why women choose under-the-muscle breast implants. The benefits of submuscular implants include:
- A more natural appearance because the chest muscle creates a more gently sloped profile, reducing the risk of making your breast augmentation look overdone or obvious
- Decreased scarring and risk of capsular contracture
- Separation of the implant from the breast tissue, providing better mammogram imaging
- Superior concealment of implant edges, especially in thin patients with very little natural breast tissue
What to Expect After Under-the-Muscle Breast Augmentation
Recovery after an under-the-muscle breast augmentation is a bit different from that of an over-the-muscle implant placement. The two key differences are pain level and breast sensation after surgery.
Post-Surgery Sensations
Breast implants always stretch the skin and breast tissue a bit as they adjust to accommodate the implant. Tightness and pressure are more common after an under-the-muscle augmentation, however, because this procedure stretches skin, breast tissue, and muscle. Sore chest muscles are common after surgery, and you may feel them in your underarms as well as your upper chest.
How Pain Differs from Over-the-Muscle Augmentation
Placing breast implants beneath the muscle means disturbing more tissue, and this increases the discomfort you will feel during your initial recovery phase. To put it more succinctly, an under-the-muscle breast augmentation hurts more. Any discomfort that you feel will still subside in a week or two, however, and your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable. If you take this medication as prescribed, any discomfort will be quite mild.
Recovery Timeline for Under-the-Muscle Breast Augmentation
Aside from the differences mentioned above, healing after an under-the-muscle breast augmentation is very much the same as healing from an over-the-muscle procedure. The recovery process may take a tad longer but can generally be expected to unfold as follows:
- First Week: Managing Pain and Swelling
- Pain is most intense during the first 72 hours, often described as a heaviness or tight sensation
- Patients are advised to sleep in an elevated position, take prescribed medications, and avoid lifting their arms above their shoulders
- Weeks 2–4: Returning to Normal Activities
- Weeks 5–8: Muscle Adjustment Phase
- The pectoral muscle begins to relax, allowing the implants to settle into a natural position
- Gentle scar and implant massage (if recommended) can begin
- Months 2–6: Final Results
- Most swelling is gone and the muscle finishes adjusting to the implants, revealing the final breast shape
How Painful Is Under-the-Muscle Breast Augmentation?
It’s hard to answer this question as everyone’s pain threshold is different. Most patients describe their discomfort as muscle soreness and report that it is similar to the muscle cramps you might get after an overly intense workout. We’re also told that the pain medication prescribed after surgery does an excellent job and makes the discomfort very manageable.
You may experience mild soreness for up to three weeks after an under-the-muscle breast augmentation, but the worst period of discomfort typically lasts for about five to seven days. After that most patients feel much better and are often comfortable enough to return to work.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While there are many benefits to choosing under-the-muscle breast implant placement, it’s not all sunshine and roses. There are some potential negatives to understand when considering this option. They are:
- A risk of temporary implant movement when flexing the chest muscles. This usually resolves itself as you heal, but you may notice the movement for several weeks.
- Healing may take a little bit longer since involving your muscles adds another layer of complexity and healing.
- Temporary muscle weakness during early recovery is a problem for some patients. Like implant movement, this issue typically abates on its own with time.
Recap & Next Steps
Under-the-muscle breast augmentation offers a natural appearance, reduced rippling, and lowers the risk of complications, but recovery initially involves more muscle-related discomfort. Patients should follow their surgeon’s aftercare instructions, including wearing a surgical bra, managing pain, and avoiding strenuous activities for a smooth recovery. For answers to any and all questions you have about under-the-muscle breast augmentation, we recommend scheduling a free virtual consultation. This consultation allows us to offer personalized advice so you get the best information possible.