Subfascial breast implant placement isn’t a new idea, but suddenly everyone is talking about it. Patients were told to think of breast implants going either under or over the pectoral muscle, but in actuality, there are four planes for implant placement. Under muscle with either dual plane or split muscle has been the most common, and the above muscle options include subglandular and subfascial. The extra layer of coverage over the implant from under-muscle placement is offset by issues like animation deformity and compromised muscle function with dual plane. Better implants that look great without the need for going under the muscle, along with new research, confirm that subfascial (pronounced like fashion, not facial) is back and here to stay. To learn more about why subfascial breast implant placement is gaining popularity again, reach out to us today.
What Is Subfascial Breast Augmentation?
Subfascial breast augmentation is a technique of placing the implant in front of the pectoral muscle. The fascia is a thin but strong layer of tissue on the surface of the muscle. A space for the implant can be created beneath the fascia by lifting it off of the muscle, where it remains on the undersurface of the breast. Placing the implant above the fascia but behind the breast is subglandular. Although the fascia is thin, it is strong enough to add a little bit of support and smooth the transition from the chest onto the implant for a more natural look.
Does Subfascial Really Make a Difference?
Critics of the subfascial method are skeptical of whether it is truly different than subglandular, and if it is worth the extra effort. But a recent studyi comparing subfascial to subglandular found clear benefits to subfascial: less implant rippling and lower risk of capsular contracture and hematoma. I have been doing subfascial placement for more than 20 years, and my paper, ” Subfascial breast augmentation: Theme and variationsii, ” was the first on the technique in North America. (Credit for pioneering the technique goes to Brazilian plastic surgeon Ruth Grafiii, who presented it at an international plastic surgery meeting in Australia and got me started.)
Who Should Consider Subfascial Augmentation?
Because subfascial does not impair muscle function or cause animation deformity, athletic women are ideal candidates for subfascial. Subfascial placement has a quick recovery, with return to most physical activities in a week or two. The choice of implant is important: I have found that Motiva Ergo implants work very well with subfascial placement because they tend to ripple less and move naturally. In fact, the popularity of Motiva implants is probably part of the reason for more interest in subfascial.
Note: The Motiva Preservé system is designed to preserve the fascial attachments around the outer edges of the breast, but strictly speaking, the implant is subglandular, not subfascial.
Talk To Us To Learn More About Subfascial Breast Implant Placement
If you are looking to learn more about subfascial breast implant replacement, contact us today.
