The Best Breast Implant Placement Depends on Many Factors
In addition to choosing the size, shape (round or tear drop), material (silicone or saline), and profile (height) of your breast implants, the “placement” of your implants must be considered. Your breast implants may be placed over, under or between the muscles in your chest.
Choosing the right placement is an important decision made by your breast augmentation surgeon, based upon many factors including the type of implant, the increase in size from your current breasts, the amount of available breast tissue, the condition and amount of skin, your size, your lifestyle, and your appearance goals.
Top Troy, MI area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has helped thousands of women achieve the look and feel they desire with perfectly chosen and expertly “placed” breast implants. In this article we explain the three types of breast implant placement.
Breast Structure & Breast Implant Placement
If you look at the image below you can see that natural breasts are tear-drop shaped, with milk-producing glands that sit below the nipple and above two sets of pectoral muscles that hold everything in place. The rest of the breast is “filled” with a system of fatty tissue (“adipose”) and ligaments that support and protect the structure of the breast.
The size and shape of each woman’s breasts are primarily determined by her hereditary. But other factors can affect breast size including: gaining or losing weight, medications, pregnancy, nursing, hormonal changes, menstruation, menopause. Traumas, injuries, accidents, and diseases such as cancer can also affect breast size and shape.
In this article, we will explore the differences between three common types of breast implant placement: subglandular, subpectoral, and submuscular, along with their applications and advantages.
Three Types of Breast Implant Placement
One of the most important factors in achieving a successful breast implant is selecting the proper placement of the implant. Breast implants can be placed three different ways inside of the woman’s breasts: subglandular, subpectoral, and submuscular.
Choosing the right breast implant placement is a critical aspect of breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Ali, a top board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Troy, MI area, understands the importance of tailoring surgical techniques to each patient’s unique anatomy and goals.
1. Subglandular Breast Implant Placement
Subglandular placement puts the breast implant directly behind the mammary gland, but in front of all the muscle. Subglandular breast implant placement involves the least complicated surgery, and has the quickest recovery time.
The disadvantages of subglandular breast implant placement includes a slightly increased chance for capsular contracture. Subglandular breast implant placement also means that the implant has less “protection” over it and is also more “visible” under the skin. So, in some cases, if a woman does not have sufficient available breast tissue, the implant may be seen “rippling” through the skin, and/or the implant may be at slightly higher risk of damage.
Subglandular breast implant placement is most suitable for patients with adequate breast tissue and minimal sagging (ptosis). And it is deal for individuals seeking enhanced cleavage and a more prominent appearance.
Advantages of subglandular breast implant placement include a shorter recovery period and less postoperative discomfort compared to submuscular placement. Additionally, it may produce a more natural movement of the breast implant, particularly in athletic individuals. Also, subglandular breast implant placement is often a good option for athletic women, because it prevents well developed chest muscles from interfering with the look of the implant.
Additionally, there is less interference with chest muscle activity, potentially reducing the risk of animation deformity (implant distortion with muscle contraction).
2. Subpectoral Breast Implant Placement
Subpectoral breast implant placement involves positioning the implant under the pectoralis major muscle. But because of the structure of this muscle (see image below), the implant is only partially covered.
This implant placement is preferred for patients with thin breast tissue or mild to moderate ptosis. This method provides additional tissue coverage, especially in patients with minimal natural breast tissue. So, it is a common choice for individuals seeking a more natural-looking outcome with reduced risk of visible implant edges or rippling.
Advantages of subpectoral breast implant placement include offering improved long-term implant support and stability, reducing the risk of implant displacement or bottoming out.
It may also result in a lower risk of capsular contracture (scar tissue formation around the implant) compared to subglandular placement.
But while subpectoral breast implant placement reduces the risk of capsular contracture, and also minimizes any visible implant rippling, the disadvantage is that recovery time from subpectoral breast implant placement is typically longer – and somewhat more painful. This is because the plastic surgeon must manipulate the muscle during surgery. Subpectoral breast implants may also take longer to drop into their natural position after surgery.
Additionally, subpectoral breast implant placement is not a good remedy for lifting sagging breasts- because the implant is only partially covered by the muscle. So the weight of the fluid is not supported, and the implant may droop and/or create bulges.
3. Submuscular Breast Implant Placement
Submuscular breast implant placement positions the implant firmly and completely behind the chest muscle wall. A submuscular breast implant is placed behind the pectoralis major muscle and behind all of the supporting connective tissue (“fascia”) and non-pectoral muscle groups. For this reason they are a better option for women with drooping breasts.
Submuscular breast implants also tend to be the best for mammograms, because the breast implant is completely behind the areas that needs to be examined. This can offer an advantage to women with a family history or other risk factors for breast cancer – since their mammograms will not be impacted by the breast implants at all.
Submuscular placement is recommended for patients with thin skin, limited breast tissue, or a desire for a more conservative breast augmentation. And it is a very common choice by plastic surgeons for breast reconstruction following mastectomy or congenital deformities.
Another advantage of placement completely under the muscle is that it provides maximum coverage and camouflage of the implant, minimizing the risk of visible rippling or palpability. Additionally it offers enhanced long-term stability and support, particularly in patients with significant ptosis or laxity. There is also the potential for a lower risk of capsular contracture and implant malposition due to improved soft tissue coverage and blood supply.
The disadvantages of submuscular breast implant placement is that there is an even longer – and somewhat more painful – recovery period, because the surgeon must manipulate even more breast muscle and ligaments.

Top Breast Implant Surgeon | Troy, MI Area
The choice of breast implant placement is a crucial decision that should be made by a highly experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali in the Troy, MI area. Understanding the differences between subglandular, subpectoral, and submuscular placement, along with their respective applications and advantages, allows patients to make informed decisions with their plastic surgeon aligned with their aesthetic goals and anatomical considerations. Dr. Ali’s expertise and personalized approach ensure optimal outcomes tailored to each patient’s unique needs and preferences.
Dr. Ali is a board certified Troy area plastic surgeon who has performed breast implants on thousands of women in Birmingham, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield, and Troy, MI area. Dr. Ali will be happy to offer you a consultation to answer all of your questions, and help you choose the best breast implant size, shape, material and position for your body type and appearance goals.
Feel beautiful inside and out, with breast implant surgery. And remember, financing options are also available.
Breast Implant Surgery | Troy, MI Area: 248-335-7200
Breast Implant Placement: Is Above or Below the Muscle Better?
/in Breast Implant /by adminThe Best Breast Implant Placement Depends on Many Factors
In addition to choosing the size, shape (round or tear drop), material (silicone or saline), and profile (height) of your breast implants, the “placement” of your implants must be considered. Your breast implants may be placed over, under or between the muscles in your chest.
Choosing the right placement is an important decision made by your breast augmentation surgeon, based upon many factors including the type of implant, the increase in size from your current breasts, the amount of available breast tissue, the condition and amount of skin, your size, your lifestyle, and your appearance goals.
Top Troy, MI area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has helped thousands of women achieve the look and feel they desire with perfectly chosen and expertly “placed” breast implants. In this article we explain the three types of breast implant placement.
Breast Structure & Breast Implant Placement
If you look at the image below you can see that natural breasts are tear-drop shaped, with milk-producing glands that sit below the nipple and above two sets of pectoral muscles that hold everything in place. The rest of the breast is “filled” with a system of fatty tissue (“adipose”) and ligaments that support and protect the structure of the breast.
The size and shape of each woman’s breasts are primarily determined by her hereditary. But other factors can affect breast size including: gaining or losing weight, medications, pregnancy, nursing, hormonal changes, menstruation, menopause. Traumas, injuries, accidents, and diseases such as cancer can also affect breast size and shape.
In this article, we will explore the differences between three common types of breast implant placement: subglandular, subpectoral, and submuscular, along with their applications and advantages.
Three Types of Breast Implant Placement
One of the most important factors in achieving a successful breast implant is selecting the proper placement of the implant. Breast implants can be placed three different ways inside of the woman’s breasts: subglandular, subpectoral, and submuscular.
Choosing the right breast implant placement is a critical aspect of breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Ali, a top board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Troy, MI area, understands the importance of tailoring surgical techniques to each patient’s unique anatomy and goals.
1. Subglandular Breast Implant Placement
Subglandular placement puts the breast implant directly behind the mammary gland, but in front of all the muscle. Subglandular breast implant placement involves the least complicated surgery, and has the quickest recovery time.
The disadvantages of subglandular breast implant placement includes a slightly increased chance for capsular contracture. Subglandular breast implant placement also means that the implant has less “protection” over it and is also more “visible” under the skin. So, in some cases, if a woman does not have sufficient available breast tissue, the implant may be seen “rippling” through the skin, and/or the implant may be at slightly higher risk of damage.
Subglandular breast implant placement is most suitable for patients with adequate breast tissue and minimal sagging (ptosis). And it is deal for individuals seeking enhanced cleavage and a more prominent appearance.
Advantages of subglandular breast implant placement include a shorter recovery period and less postoperative discomfort compared to submuscular placement. Additionally, it may produce a more natural movement of the breast implant, particularly in athletic individuals. Also, subglandular breast implant placement is often a good option for athletic women, because it prevents well developed chest muscles from interfering with the look of the implant.
Additionally, there is less interference with chest muscle activity, potentially reducing the risk of animation deformity (implant distortion with muscle contraction).
2. Subpectoral Breast Implant Placement
Subpectoral breast implant placement involves positioning the implant under the pectoralis major muscle. But because of the structure of this muscle (see image below), the implant is only partially covered.
This implant placement is preferred for patients with thin breast tissue or mild to moderate ptosis. This method provides additional tissue coverage, especially in patients with minimal natural breast tissue. So, it is a common choice for individuals seeking a more natural-looking outcome with reduced risk of visible implant edges or rippling.
Advantages of subpectoral breast implant placement include offering improved long-term implant support and stability, reducing the risk of implant displacement or bottoming out.
It may also result in a lower risk of capsular contracture (scar tissue formation around the implant) compared to subglandular placement.
But while subpectoral breast implant placement reduces the risk of capsular contracture, and also minimizes any visible implant rippling, the disadvantage is that recovery time from subpectoral breast implant placement is typically longer – and somewhat more painful. This is because the plastic surgeon must manipulate the muscle during surgery. Subpectoral breast implants may also take longer to drop into their natural position after surgery.
Additionally, subpectoral breast implant placement is not a good remedy for lifting sagging breasts- because the implant is only partially covered by the muscle. So the weight of the fluid is not supported, and the implant may droop and/or create bulges.
3. Submuscular Breast Implant Placement
Submuscular breast implant placement positions the implant firmly and completely behind the chest muscle wall. A submuscular breast implant is placed behind the pectoralis major muscle and behind all of the supporting connective tissue (“fascia”) and non-pectoral muscle groups. For this reason they are a better option for women with drooping breasts.
Submuscular breast implants also tend to be the best for mammograms, because the breast implant is completely behind the areas that needs to be examined. This can offer an advantage to women with a family history or other risk factors for breast cancer – since their mammograms will not be impacted by the breast implants at all.
Submuscular placement is recommended for patients with thin skin, limited breast tissue, or a desire for a more conservative breast augmentation. And it is a very common choice by plastic surgeons for breast reconstruction following mastectomy or congenital deformities.
Another advantage of placement completely under the muscle is that it provides maximum coverage and camouflage of the implant, minimizing the risk of visible rippling or palpability. Additionally it offers enhanced long-term stability and support, particularly in patients with significant ptosis or laxity. There is also the potential for a lower risk of capsular contracture and implant malposition due to improved soft tissue coverage and blood supply.
The disadvantages of submuscular breast implant placement is that there is an even longer – and somewhat more painful – recovery period, because the surgeon must manipulate even more breast muscle and ligaments.
Top Breast Implant Surgeon | Troy, MI Area
The choice of breast implant placement is a crucial decision that should be made by a highly experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali in the Troy, MI area. Understanding the differences between subglandular, subpectoral, and submuscular placement, along with their respective applications and advantages, allows patients to make informed decisions with their plastic surgeon aligned with their aesthetic goals and anatomical considerations. Dr. Ali’s expertise and personalized approach ensure optimal outcomes tailored to each patient’s unique needs and preferences.
Dr. Ali is a board certified Troy area plastic surgeon who has performed breast implants on thousands of women in Birmingham, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield, and Troy, MI area. Dr. Ali will be happy to offer you a consultation to answer all of your questions, and help you choose the best breast implant size, shape, material and position for your body type and appearance goals.
Feel beautiful inside and out, with breast implant surgery. And remember, financing options are also available.
Breast Implant Surgery | Troy, MI Area: 248-335-7200
Breast Implant Surgery: Round versus Teardrop Breast Implants
/in Breast Implant /by adminHow to Choose Between Round & Teardrop Breast Implants
Choosing the right size and shape of breast implants is a highly personal decision. Every woman has an idea of how they want their body to look. Renowned Birmingham, MI board Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has helped thousands of women select the perfect breast implants, for a look and feel they love. He will take the time to consult with you and discuss your body type, your frame, your lifestyle and your appearance goal – so you that achieve the look that you love.
In addition to considering “cup size” or “cc’s” when thinking of breast implants – the shape of the breast implant must also be chosen properly to achieve the results you desire. Each type has its own unique characteristics, and understanding the differences between them is crucial for making an informed decision. In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of round and teardrop implants, comparing and contrasting their appearance, materials, costs, benefits, to help you choose the right shape for your breast implants.
Which Breast Implant Shape is Best?
There are two general categories of breast implant shape: round and contoured or “teardrop”. Round breast implants are typically saline breast implants. They actually have two key components. The outer shell that is made of high-grade medical-grade silicone, similar to the material used in contact lenses or some medical tubing. The silicone shell is strong, flexible, and biocompatible, meaning it doesn’t cause negative reactions within the body. The inner filling is primarily composed of sterile saline solution, essentially a highly purified salt water solution similar to what’s used in intravenous (IV) drips. The saline solution adds volume and weight to the implant, mimicking the feel of natural breast tissue.
So, while round saline implants rely on saline solution for their shape and feel, the crucial element ensuring their safety and stability is the strong and biocompatible silicone shell.
Teardrop shape breast implants are typically made of silicone gel – also called “gummy bear” or gel implants. Similar to saline implants, the outer shell of gummy bear implants is made of high-grade medical-grade silicone. This ensures strength, flexibility, and biocompatibility. But the inner filling is where the difference lies. Instead of saline solution, gummy bear implants are filled with a thicker, cohesive silicone gel.
Within the teardrop category there are several additional variations in shape. Keep in mind that no one type of breast shape is better than the other. Both shapes can look natural and beautiful. The key to achieving the most beautiful results is finding the shape of breast implant that fits your body.
In this article we give you some generally information about the different shapes of breast implants. However, top Birmingham breast implant surgeon Dr. Ali will spend time with you during your consultation discussing your options. He will help you choose the best breast implant shape for you body type and appearance goals..
Round Breast Implants
Round breast implants are the same size in every direction, because they are, indeed, round.
Round breast implants generally produce more fullness in the upper breast. This is called “upper pole” fullness. Very high-profile round breast implants can create a very noticeable change, and are often selected by women who wish a may be too large – or “enhanced looking” – for some women.
Generally speaking, round breast implants aren’t considered as “anatomic” as teardrop implants. However, there are some women, for whom round breast implants may create a more natural look. If a round breast implant is well-proportioned for your body and your existing breast tissue, it can be a good choice. Round breast implants may also be a better “fit” for women with a larger “envelope” or “pocket” in which to insert the breast implant.
Round breast implants are typically softer than the teardrop implants. Another advantage to round breast implants is that they have the same shape all over, so there is no concern about them rotating out of place or changing in symmetry in the future.
However, keep in mind, that gravity will eventually affect even round breast implants – and they may become slightly teardrop appearance over the years..
Teardrop Breast Implants
Teardrop breast implants are considered more “anatomic” because a teardrop shape is similar to natural breasts –and are fuller at the bottom. Teardrop breast implants also feel slightly firmer than round implants. The specific properties of the silicone gel vary depending on the manufacturer and desired implant characteristics.
Because teardrop breast implants are made with highly cohesive silicone, they generally are considered more durable and less likely to rupture than round breast implants. They also generally maintain the breast shape longer compared to round saline implants.
The gel of teardrop breast implants resists movement and maintains its shape even if the outer shell ruptures, unlike saline implants which would deflate. This provides a more natural feel and reduces the risk of visible ripples or distortions over time.
Different gel densities offer options for achieving desired breast firmness and projection. Dense gels provide a fuller, rounder appearance, while less dense gels feel softer and more natural.
The gel’s structure resists tearing and leaking, adding to its safety and longevity.
Additionally, typically teardrop breast implants will be a better fit for women with a tighter “envelope” or pocket in which to insert the implant. Teardrop implants are also often an excellent choice when existing breast tissue coverage is on the thinner side.
Teardrop implants due have a very slight risk of rotating over time, which can result in asymmetrical appearance. This is not common, though, and can be repaired with additional minor surgery.
Vectra 3D: See Your Breast Implants BEFORE Surgery
AMAE Plastic Surgery is among the first and only aesthetic practices in Birmingham, MI and the Detroit area to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging before breast implant surgery. This revolutionary imaging system provides a three-dimensional computerized image of your possible breast implant options from any and every angle – so that Dr. Ali can show you your expected outcomes before your breast implant surgery.
The Vectra D system enables Dr. Ali to compare the “before and after” breast implant views side-by-side. By visualizing different breast implant sizes and shape, you know in advance what to expect – so that together you can decide on the best possible size and shape of breast implants for your aesthetic goals.
If you are considering breast implant surgery, you no longer have to leave your results to guesswork, chance or speculation. With Vectra 3D digital imaging you know what your results will be in advance – with no surprises or misunderstandings! Choose skilled Birmingham, MI board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali, and see your breast implant results before your procedure(s) with Vectra’s innovative and advanced 3D computerized imaging.
Birmingham Michigan’s Top Breast Implant Surgeon
Choosing the right implant type depends on your individual goals, anatomy, and preferences. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial to understand the pros and cons of each option and determine the best fit for you.
Dr. Ali will be happy to offer you a consultation to answer all of your breast implant surgery questions, and help you select the breast implant shape that is perfect for you. He has helped hundreds of women in Birmingham, Southfield, Troy, Detroit, West Bloomfield, and across Oakland County get the shape they love.
Feel beautiful inside and out, with breast implant surgery. And remember, financing options are also available.
Breast Implant Surgery | Birmingham, MI: 248.335.7200
Choosing The Best Breast Implant “Profile” (Projection) for Your Body
/in Breast Implant /by adminBreast Enhancement Surgery: Choosing a Breast Implant Profile
Choosing the right breast implant for your body is a highly personal decision. Every woman has a different ideal of beauty and different appearance goals. Dr. Ali has helped thousands of women select the right breast implants, for a look and feel they love. He will take the time to consult with you and discuss your body type, your frame, your lifestyle and your end-goal – so you that achieve the perfect results.
Most women think of size when they think of choosing breast implants. But choosing your breast implant involves much more than just choosing a “cup size”. Women wishing to surgically enhance their breasts must also determine the shape and the profile of the new breasts that they desire. The “profile” is the term for the projection of the breast implants – and it must also be chosen with care to achieve the results you desire. In this article we discuss some factors related to choosing the right “profile” or height of your breast implants.
What Is Breast Implant Profile?
If you’re considering breast enlargement surgery, selecting the right breast implant profile is perhaps even more crucial than “cup size” when considering your goals. The profile, or projection, is the height of the top of the breast implant from your chest. In very basic terms, the breast implant profile is how far the breast sticks out from the chest wall.
The higher the profile or depth/height of your implant, the more “projection” your breasts will have. Typically, lower profile implants result in a more natural appearance, while higher profile implants create a more dramatic enhancement.
The terminology varies slightly depending upon the breast implant manufacturer. But the amount of projection is typically referred to as:
Difference Between High & Low Profile Breast Implants
High-profile breast implants typically produce more fullness in the upper breast. This is called “upper pole” fullness. Very high-profile breast implants create a very noticeable change, and may be too large – or “enhanced looking” – for some women.
High-profile implants, however, may also be recommended for patients who are undergoing breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. They may also be the best solution for women who have very minimal breast tissue of their own, du to other reasons such as breast feeding or aging.
Lower profile breast implants typically produce more fullness in the lower breast – much like a natural breast. This is called “lower pole” fullness. Lower profile implants are generally used by women who prefer a more subtle, “believable” enhancement.
Considerations in Choosing Your Breast Implant Profile
Dr. Ali will look at a number of factors when recommending the best “projection” for your breast implants, including:
• Your body frame
Generally, a woman with a smaller “frame” will require less projection to achieve dramatic or noticeable results,
• Amount of skin / tissue to cover the breast implant
Increasing breast size too significantly beyond your current size can result in too little “room” under which to place the breast implant. This can result in unnaturally shaped breasts.
• The desired “look” of your breast implants
Ultra-high profile breast implants are typically less realistic or less natural looking than lower projection breast implants. Most women want a very natural look – but some women prefer a more dramatic or “exaggerated” profile.
• Width of your breast area
A big factor in determining the right profile breast implant is the dimension / width of your natural breast tissue. A wider breast area will require a higher projection to achieve “cleavage”, while a narrower breast area may achieve the effect with less projection.
See Your Breast Implant Profile Before Surgery
AMAE Plastic Surgery is among the first and only aesthetic practices in the Rochester Hills area to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging before breast implant surgery. This revolutionary imaging system provides a 3D computer image of your breast implant options from every angle – so that you can see how your new breasts will look your breast implant surgery.
The Vectra D system enables Dr. Ali to show you the “before and after” breast implant size, shape and profile views side-by-side before your surgery. This way you can decide on the best possible size, shape, and profile of breast implants for your appearance goals.
If you are undergoing breast implant surgery, you don’t have to leave your results to guesswork. With Vectra 3D digital imaging you know what your results will be before your surgery – with no surprises!
Top Breast Implant Surgeon | Rochester Hills
The bottom line is that there is no single “best” implant profile. However, there is an ideal profile for you depending on your unique, frame size, anatomy, breast tissue, and appearance goals.
Dr. Ali will be happy to offer you a consultation to answer all of your questions, and help you select the profile that is perfect for you. He has helped hundreds of women in Rochester Hills, Troy, Detroit, West Bloomfield and across Oakland County achieve the look they love. Feel beautiful inside and out, with breast implant surgery. And remember, financing options are also available.
Breast Implant Surgery | Rochester Hills: 248-335-7200
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