If you a looking at the different types of breast implants, you will have come across the terms "over" and "under". This is a very important distinction. Everyone knows about the importance of silicone vs. saline, but many people don't consider the importance of where the implant goes.
It is very important to familiarize yourself with the different techniques before you see a physician. Many doctors are comfortable doing a particular implant style, so they may push that one on you when you speak to them. However, you should figure out ahead of time what style implant you want and understand the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Over-The-Muscle Implants
In an over-the-muscle technique, the implant is placed over the pectoral muscle. The procedure used to be very common. It is now falling out of favor for a few reasons. The main reason is that over-the-muscle breast implants don't look as natural as under-muscle implants.
There are some advantages to this type of implant, though. The primary one is quick recovery time. Because the pectoral muscle was not cut, there will be far less swelling than with an under- the-muscle procedure.
The drawback is that they don't look as nice as under-the-muscle. The long-term issue with over the muscle implants is that they have a higher rate of capsular contracture.
Additionally, over-the-muscle implants are more likely to interfere with mammograms.
Under-The-Muscle Implants: Full and Partial
The other method of placing the breast implants is underneath the pectoral muscle. This can either be a "full" or "partial". A "full" will place the entire implant under the pectoral muscle. This might not be possible for large implants, but it is advisable for those who can get it. The reason it is preferred is because it avoids the "bottoming out" syndrome. This is where the implant "falls" down. This causes the implant to look and feel bad.
A "partial" will only place part of the implant under the pectoral muscle.
The benefits of the under-the-muscle implants include a more natural look. The implants don't have the undesirable, unnaturally round look that is synonymous with "bad" implants.
Long-term, there are benefits as well. There is also a lower rate of capsular contracture in under the muscle implants. Also, as noted above, they are less likely to interfere with mammograms.
You can compare photos online of the three different types of implants. You should do this perpetration before speaking with a doctor.
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