Breast implants: Better in front of or behind the muscle?

When designing a breast augmentation procedure with implants, several aspects must be discussed between the surgeon and the patient. One of the first to come to mind is the size of the implants, but other factors include their shape and texture, as well as the access route.

A fundamental and lesser-known aspect of breast augmentation with implants is the placement of the prostheses, which can be placed in front of or behind the pectoral muscle. Which option is better? Today, we answer this question at Corpore Sano.

The first thing we need to know is that, generally speaking, there is no one option that is better than another. It will depend on the patient's anatomy.

The prepectoral implant is the most commonly used implant today and offers several advantages. The implant is placed beneath the fascia, without touching the muscle, providing greater projection. As it's a less invasive technique, it offers less bleeding and swelling and a better postoperative period. Finally, it typically provides a more natural appearance, as this implant will sag as the breast sags over time, rather than being fixed behind the muscle.

The retropectoral or behind-the-muscle placement is usually more appropriate for patients with thin tissue or small breasts. This is because if there is little fat and mammary gland, the edges of the implant may be noticeable. With retropectoral placement, the muscle will cover this prosthesis, resulting in a more natural result for these patients.

For the same reason, this option also carries a lower risk of rippling, meaning that folds or irregularities in the implant may become noticeable.