Text: Placement of breast prosthesis

• Hossam Moazzami
• October 10, 2025
• 3:05 p.m
• no comment

One of the most important decisions in breast cosmetic surgery is choosing the right place to place the prosthesis. This choice not only affects the appearance and final shape of the breast, but also plays a role in the natural feeling, the amount of pain after the operation and even the recovery process. Before the operation, many women ask the question, "Is it better to place the prosthesis under the muscle or under the breast tissue?" The answer to this question depends on factors such as body type, skin thickness, breast size and beauty goal.

Why is the location of the prosthesis important?

The placement of the breast prosthesis determines how natural and long-lasting the result of the operation will be. Placing the prosthesis in the wrong position can cause misalignment, abnormal movement or even complications such as premature prolapse. Choosing the right place for the prosthesis by carefully examining the patient's physical condition and consulting with a plastic surgeon is the key to achieving the best possible result.

In this article, we explain in a scientific and comprehensible way what are the different places of placement of breast prosthesis, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each one, and which option is more suitable for you. If you are planning to undergo breast augmentation or just want more detailed information about different methods, reading this article will help you make an informed and confident decision.

What is the location of the breast prosthesis?

The location of the breast prosthesis is the position where the surgeon places the prosthesis under the breast tissue or under the pectoralis major muscle. This choice is made based on body structure, skin thickness, prosthesis type and aesthetic goal. Choosing the right place plays an important role in the naturalness of the result and the final satisfaction of the patient.

Submuscular or subglandular prosthesis; Which is better?

There are two main methods for implant placement: Submuscular and Subglandular. In the under-the-muscle method, the prosthesis is placed under the pectoralis muscle, which has a more natural and softer result. But in the subglandular method, the prosthesis is placed right behind the breast tissue, which creates more volume. The choice between these two depends on each person's body and the doctor's opinion.

Placing the prosthesis under the pectoralis major muscle

In this method, the muscle is placed between the prosthesis and the skin, and this makes the appearance of the breast more natural. This method is ideal for people with thin skin or low breast tissue. Although the recovery period is a little longer, the long-term results are more natural and durable.

Advantages of placing the prosthesis under the breast tissue

If the patient has enough breast tissue, placing the prosthesis under the gland is a good option. This method makes the recovery period shorter and the pain less. Also, the prosthesis moves more naturally with the body and creates a fuller appearance.

Difference in appearance results in two prosthetic implant sites

In the submuscular mode, the upper part of the breast is seen more naturally and the border of the prosthesis is less clear, while in the subglandular method, the volume of the upper breast is more and the appearance is more prominent. Each of them has a different result depending on the taste and body shape.

Which people are more suitable for the prosthesis under the muscle?

Slim women or those with little breast tissue are usually good candidates for submuscular implants, as the muscle helps hide the edges of the implants. This method also reduces the possibility of premature shedding.

Who should put the prosthesis under the gland?

People who have enough natural breast tissue and are looking for a fuller and more prominent appearance usually benefit from the subglandular procedure. This method is not suitable especially for heavy athletes, because the pectoral muscles put a lot of pressure on the prosthesis.

The role of the type of prosthesis in the selection of the implant site

Silicone prostheses are softer and more natural and are usually used under the muscle. In contrast, saline implants are often placed under the breast tissue because they require less muscle support.

Comparison of the amount of pain in submuscular and subglandular prosthesis

The postoperative pain is a little more in the submuscular method, because the muscle is moved during the surgery. In contrast, the subglandular procedure usually has a shorter recovery time. However, the pain is manageable and usually subsides within a few days.

Effect of prosthesis location on breastfeeding process

In most cases, placing the prosthesis under the muscle does not affect breastfeeding because the milk ducts remain intact. But in the subglandular method, if surgery is performed near the glandular tissue, milk production may decrease a little.

Effect of prosthesis location on mammography and ultrasound

In the submuscular method, the prosthesis is seen less intrusive in the imaging, while in the subglandular method, part of the breast tissue may be covered. Doctors usually prefer the subcutaneous method for women with a family history of breast cancer.

Placement of the prosthesis and possibility of breast sagging

In the sub-muscular method, the muscle partially prevents premature sagging. But in the sub-glandular method, due to the lack of muscle support, it is more likely to fall over time. Maintaining weight and using the right bra prevents sagging.

More natural form under the muscle or under the gland?

The final appearance is more natural in the submuscular method, because the boundary line between the prosthesis and the tissue is less clear. This method is the best option for women who want the result of the procedure to be delicate and natural.

What is Dual Plane Technique?

The double plane technique is a combination of two methods. In this method, the upper part of the prosthesis is placed under the muscle and the lower part is placed under the breast tissue. The result is a combination of a natural look and more volume at the bottom of the bust. This method is the most popular choice among modern surgeons.

The role of skin thickness in determining the location of the prosthesis

The thinner the skin, the more likely the edge of the prosthesis will be visible. In these cases, the method under the muscle is recommended to prevent the muscle from protruding.

Effect of exercise on submuscular prostheses

In female athletes or bodybuilders, strong contraction of the pectoral muscle may cause partial movement of the prosthesis. For this reason, the sub-glandular or double-plane method is recommended for professional athletes.

Changing the location of the prosthesis in the restorative operation

In some cases, patients decide to change the location of the prosthesis after years. If an artificial appearance or inconsistency is observed, the surgeon can transfer the prosthesis from under the tissue to under the muscle to make the result more natural.

Submuscular prosthesis for thin women

In thin-bodied women, there is less fat and natural tissue, so covering the prosthesis with muscle makes it look more natural. This method reduces the possibility of the crease or the edge of the prosthesis being visible.

Subglandular prosthesis for women with sufficient tissue

If the patient has enough fat and glandular tissue, placing the prosthesis under the breast tissue creates a fuller appearance. Less pain and faster recovery are the advantages of this method.

Permanence of prosthesis in any place

Submuscular prostheses usually last longer because they are under less pressure. On the other hand, subglandular prostheses may change over time or show more sagging.

Danger of encapsulation in different places

Encapsulation is one of the possible complications of breast prosthesis, during which fibrotic tissue is formed around the prosthesis. The probability of this condition is lower in the submuscular method than under the gland.

The appearance of the chest when standing and lying down

In the under-the-muscle method, the movement of the prosthesis is more natural in the lying position and the breast shape is preserved. In the subglandular method, the prosthesis may appear slightly more mobile in the lying position.

Placement of prosthesis in post-cancer reconstruction

In breast reconstruction after cancer surgery, the submuscular or biplane method is usually used so that the result is more natural and safer. This method prevents damage to the damaged skin.

Effect of prosthesis location on natural breast touch

Submuscular prostheses usually have a more natural feel because the muscle layer acts like a soft covering. On the other hand, the subglandular prosthesis may be a little harder to the touch.

The role of the surgeon in choosing the best site

The skill and experience of the surgeon is most effective in determining the right location. An experienced surgeon considers the patient's physical condition, type of prosthesis and lifestyle for the best result.

Recovery time in each type of placement

Patients with the subglandular method usually return to daily activities in a few days, but with the submuscular method, up to a week more rest may be needed. Post-operative care is very important in both methods.

Prosthesis location and possibility of movement or rotation

In the under-the-muscle method, due to more support, the prosthesis is less likely to move. But in the subglandular method, sometimes the soft tissue allows slight displacement. Using a special bra after surgery prevents this complication.

Effect of age on the choice of prosthesis implantation site

In elderly patients with more sagging skin, the subtissue method usually has better results. In younger women with firmer skin, the under-the-muscle method creates a more natural appearance.

The best place for a natural and lasting result

If the goal is to be natural, long-lasting and reduce side effects, the sub-muscular or biplane method is the best choice. Finally, the final decision should be made based on careful consultation with the surgeon.

Pre-surgery consultation; The first step of decision-making

The pre-operative consultation session is the most important part of the beauty journey. At this stage, the doctor will help you make the best decision and be satisfied with the final result by measuring, examining the skin and explaining the possible results.

Final conclusion about placement of breast prosthesis

Choosing the right place to place the breast prosthesis is one of the most important pre-operative decisions that has a direct impact on the appearance, durability and satisfaction of the patient. There is no absolute "best" location; Rather, each method is chosen depending on the body structure, skin thickness, lifestyle and the patient's goal. Submuscular prosthesis usually has a more natural appearance and lasts longer, while the subglandular method is associated with less pain and faster recovery.

The importance of expert advice before surgery

Consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon is the key to achieving the ideal result. The doctor selects the best place by evaluating the body shape, type of prosthesis, daily activities and aesthetic expectations of the patient. New techniques such as the Dual Plane method have also made it possible to achieve more natural results.

Doctor's final speech

The goal of breast cosmetic surgery is not only to increase volume, but also to create proportion, symmetry and a natural appearance. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each location and trusting the opinion of a specialist doctor is the most important step in having beautiful, natural and healthy breasts. Remember, an informed decision always brings the best results.