Subglandular Placement

Subglandular placement describes a breast implant pocket created over the pectoralis major muscle and beneath the native breast glandular tissue. Because the implant sits above the muscle, this approach can reduce animation deformity and often allows a shorter surgery and recovery, but it may increase implant visibility, surface rippling, and has been associated in some studies with a higher risk of capsular contracture—effects that are more likely when soft tissue coverage is thin.

Surgeons select subglandular placement based on breast anatomy, skin and tissue thickness, implant type, and the patient’s aesthetic goals; it is commonly chosen for patients with adequate natural breast tissue or when avoiding muscle distortion is a priority. Preoperative planning typically includes discussion of imaging implications, long-term surveillance, and options to improve coverage or contour—such as fat grafting or future revision—so patients understand the trade-offs between appearance, recovery, and complication risk.