Submuscular Placement

Submuscular placement refers to positioning a breast implant beneath the pectoralis major muscle, either completely or partially, so that the muscle and surrounding tissues cover the implant. This extra layer of tissue can make the implant less visible or palpable, smooth the transition from chest to implant, and is often preferred for patients with thin native breast tissue or those seeking a more natural upper pole contour; the technique is commonly combined with a dual-plane approach where the muscle covers the upper portion of the implant while the lower portion sits under the breast gland.

Choosing submuscular placement involves trade-offs: it may reduce the risk of implant visibility and certain complications like capsular contracture, but it can also cause more postoperative discomfort, longer recovery, and the possibility of animation deformity (movement of the implant when the chest muscle contracts). Surgeons tailor the decision to a patient’s anatomy, implant type, activity level, and aesthetic goals, and will explain how placement affects long-term outcomes and potential revision options.