Dr. Rachana Tataria

Do Breast Implants Go Above or Below the Muscle After Revision Surgery?
Blogs
December 3, 2025
5 min read
2.4K views
Breast Reconstruction Options

Breast implant revision is a tailored procedure done to correct concerns such as implant malposition, capsular contracture, rippling, asymmetry, or unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes from a previous surgery. A key part of this process is deciding whether the implants should be placed above the muscle (subglandular) or below the muscle (submuscular). The ideal choice depends on your breast tissue thickness, skin quality, muscle anatomy, and overall aesthetic goals. Consulting an experienced breast implant revision surgeon in Mulund or visiting a reputed cosmetic surgery clinic in Mulund ensures the decision is made safely and accurately.

Understanding Implant Placement Options

Subglandular Placement (Above the Muscle)

In this technique, the implant sits above the pectoral muscle and directly beneath the natural breast tissue.

This option generally offers:

A shorter and easier recovery

Better support for mild sagging

No implant movement during muscle contraction

However, it may also be associated with:

More visible rippling in thin patients

A less natural look if breast tissue is limited

A slightly higher risk of capsular contracture

This placement is usually preferred when the patient has enough natural tissue for coverage during implant placement and correction.

Submuscular Placement (Below the Muscle)

Here, the implant is positioned partially or completely beneath the pectoral muscle.

This method provides:

A more natural upper-pole contour

Better implant coverage in slim patients

Lower rates of capsular contracture

Potential drawbacks include:

A slightly longer recovery period

Possible implant movement during workouts (animation deformity)

Many women undergoing breast revision surgery in Mulund or Mumbai choose submuscular placement when they want improved support and a more natural result.

Why Implant Pocket Change Is Common in Revision Surgery

Changing the implant pocket is often part of breast implant revision. Surgeons frequently move the implant from one plane to another—either from above to below the muscle or vice versa—to correct specific issues.

Pocket change may be recommended to address:

Visible rippling

Implant shifting or bottoming out

Capsular contracture

An unnatural breast shape

Implants sitting too far apart or too close

Complications from previous surgery

A trained breast implant surgeon in Mumbai will evaluate your breast tissue, skin elasticity, and muscle anatomy before recommending the most suitable pocket.

Which Placement Is Better During a Revision Surgery?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best placement is determined based on factors such as

Your breast tissue thickness

Skin elasticity and quality

Existing implant pocket

Implant material and size

Amount of sagging

Desired shape—natural or enhanced

Long-term stability of the implants

A skilled breast revision specialist in Mumbai will combine these factors to select the most suitable and natural-looking option for your revision.

Can I switch from over-the-muscle to under-the-muscle during revision?

Yes. This is one of the most common adjustments made during breast implant revision. Many patients move to submuscular placement to improve coverage, reduce rippling, and correct problems like capsular contracture or asymmetry.

How do I know which placement is better for me?

Recovery for a mini tummy tuck is shorter, with most patients resuming normal activities in 1–2 weeks, whereas a full tummy tuck may require 4–6 weeks.

Conclusion

Deciding whether implants should go above or below the muscle during a revision surgery is crucial for achieving a natural, symmetrical, and long-lasting result. With guidance from an experienced breast implant revision specialist in Mulund or a trusted cosmetic surgery clinic in Mulund, you can choose the placement that best suits your anatomy and expectations.