Choosing breast implants involves more than selecting size and shape. The position of the implant can influence coverage, movement, support, and recovery. At Dr. York Yates Plastic Surgery, we help patients from Layton and the Salt Lake City area compare these details as part of a breast augmentation plan. Our surgeon, Dr. York Yates (opens in new tab), is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has more than two decades of experience in cosmetic breast and body surgery, working alongside our staff.
Where Does Each Breast Implant Position Sit?
With above the muscle placement placement, the implant sits beneath the fascia covering the pectoral muscle while remaining above the muscle itself. That added layer can give more coverage and support than traditional subglandular placement, without placing the implant under the chest muscle.
A submuscular implant sits beneath the pectoral muscle. The extra tissue over the implant can be helpful when natural breast tissue is limited or when more coverage is needed.
How Can Placement Affect Movement and Appearance?
The differences become most noticeable when we look at how your anatomy and activity level interact with the implant. Subfascial placement avoids direct involvement of the pectoral muscle, so chest contraction does not act on the implant in the same way.
With submuscular placement, flexing the chest can shift the implant or temporarily change the breast shape. This is known as animation deformity. The additional coverage from the muscle may also help reduce implant visibility or rippling in some patients.
Implant type matters too. We may consider pocket position alongside options such as Motiva breast implants rather than treating those decisions separately.
How Do We Choose the Right Approach?
When comparing these options, we look at how much natural breast tissue you have, the strength and activity of the chest muscle, implant size and weight, tissue support, and the shape you want to create. Those details help guide the choice.
Our breast augmentation gallery includes examples identified as both subfascial and submuscular. Photos cannot determine which approach is best for you, but they can help you understand the differences and prepare useful questions for a consultation.
Pocket choice can also become relevant later if implant position changes or another concern develops. In those cases, breast implant revision may include modifying the existing pocket.
Compare Breast Implant Placement Options in Utah
If you are deciding between subfascial and submuscular breast augmentation, we can review the tradeoffs in the context of your tissue coverage, activity level, and implant preferences. Contact us at Dr. York Yates Plastic Surgery in Layton, UT, or call 385-526-5988 to discuss your options with our team.