Above or Below? Decoding the Choices Behind Your Curves
When it comes to breast augmentation, most conversations focus on size, but there’s another decision just as important: implant placement. Where your implants sit—either above or below the chest muscle—can affect how your breasts look, feel, and move. It’s a decision that combines medical guidance with your personal goals. (Quick note: I’m not a doctor, and this isn’t medical advice. Always consult a board-certified plastic surgeon before making choices about your body.)
Above the Muscle: Subglandular Placement
Placing implants above the muscle, between your breast tissue and chest muscle, can create a fuller, more lifted look right away. Recovery may be faster, and the procedure is sometimes considered less invasive. However, because there’s less natural tissue covering the implant, rippling may be more visible, especially if you have minimal breast tissue to start with.
Below the Muscle: Submuscular Placement
Implants placed below the chest muscle tend to give a softer, more natural slope. This placement can help prevent certain complications and may reduce visible rippling. Recovery might take a bit longer, and movement of the chest muscle can subtly affect how the implants shift, but many find the long-term aesthetic results worth it.
What Influences the Decision?
Choosing where implants go isn’t just about looks—it’s about your body, lifestyle, and goals. Factors that surgeons consider include:
- Your existing breast tissue and body type
- Desired shape and fullness
- Activity level (especially if you’re athletic)
- Long-term safety and how implants may change over time
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
When discussing placement, come prepared with questions:
- Which placement suits my body type best?
- How will this choice affect my recovery and daily activities?
- How will the implants look in different positions or during exercise?
My Personal Experience
I initially chose submuscular placement. I’m fairly active, and at the time I was kickboxing consistently, which uses a lot of upper-body strength. Over time, I was experiencing some discomfort and I noticed my implants shifted and changed position when I flexed or moved, which I didn’t love. After consulting with my surgeon, I decided to replace them with above-the-muscle placement. For context, my first implants were 425 cc, and I switched to 650 cc. I’m 5’6” and 140 lbs with minimal breast tissue to begin with, so the change made a significant difference in how my body felt and looked during movement. This experience taught me that personal lifestyle, body mechanics, and past body changes (like pregnancy) can play as big a role in placement decisions as aesthetics.
The Takeaway
Breast implant placement is a personal choice that blends your aesthetic goals with professional medical guidance. Understanding your options can make consultations less intimidating and help you feel confident in the decisions you make about your body. At the end of the day, your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are what matter most.
