If you’re athletic or spend a lot of time in the gym, you’ve probably wondered how breast implants could affect your performance and results. One of the biggest decisions in breast augmentation is where the implant will be placed: under the muscle (sub-muscular) or over it (sub-glandular). What about the third option of Sub-fascial placement?
Each option has its own set of advantages, especially for active individuals.
Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. John J. Corey has been performing breast augmentations since 1993. Drawing from American training and Brazilian artistry, he helps patients throughout Arizona (and many who fly in from across the globe) choose the most appropriate implant placement type.
Sub-muscular Implant Placement
Submuscular placement involves positioning the implant beneath the pectoralis major muscle. It’s popular for many women, particularly those with low body fat.
Pros:
- It offers a more natural slope in leaner individuals.
- It reduces visible implant edges or rippling.
- It may lower the risk of capsular contracture.
Cons:
- It can cause implant movement during upper-body workouts.
- It may take longer to recover after surgery.
- It creates potential for distortion when flexing the chest muscles.
- It can be prone to shifting implants outward with aggressive chest exercises.
Sub-glandular Implant Placement
When it comes to subglandular placement, the implant sits above the muscle and beneath the breast tissue.
Pros:
- There’s less disruption to chest muscles (better for push-ups, bench presses, and competitive lifting).
- There’s a shorter recovery time.
- There’s no animation (movement) during workouts.
Cons:
- Implant edges might be more visible in individuals with very lean bodies, giving more of an “implant” look.
- There may be a slightly greater risk of capsular contracture.
- There may not be as much long-term support of the implants.
Sub-fascial Implant Placement
With this technique, the layer of fascial tissue that covers the top of the pectoralis muscle is lifted up during surgery and the implant is placed behind this thin layer but on top of the pectoralis muscle itself.
Pros:
- There is a bit more tissue coverage than Sub-glandular so better to hide ripples of the implant.
- Seems to have a faster recovery than Sub-muscular.
- No implant distortion when flexing the pec muscles or working out.
- Possible less capsular contracture than Sub-glandular
Cons:
- Wrinkles or ripples of the implant may still be more visible than Sub-muscular.
- It can give more of an “implant” look than Sub-muscular.
What Do Most Active Patients Choose?
Many weight trainers and bodybuilders prefer Sub-glandular or Sub-fascial placement because it doesn’t interfere with muscle function. This option enables full chest activation during training without concern for implant distortion or shifting. This is especially true for competitors who may be flexing on-stage.
For most other atheletes, they like the more natural look of the Sub-muscular placement, as chest workouts are not the focus of their activity.
That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Body type, breast tissue, and training intensity all play a role in the decision.
Final Thoughts
If fitness is important to you, it’s essential to select an implant placement that supports your lifestyle. Subglandular placement may be ideal for many active women, but the right choice depends on your body, training routine, and aesthetic goals.
Want expert guidance from a plastic surgeon who understands both form and function? Call Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale at 480.767.7700 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Corey.