Breast augmentation is a common cosmetic surgery that many people choose to enhance the size and shape of their breasts. There are several ways surgeons can perform breast augmentation, and each technique involves a different placement of the implant.
One technique, called subfascial breast augmentation, involves placing the implant under the fascia — a layer of tissue that sits on top of the chest muscle. The goal of this technique is to get the benefits of both submuscular (under the muscle) and subglandular (over the muscle) breast augmentation.
If you’re curious about breast augmentation, this guide can help you learn more about the subfascial technique. It will cover how the procedure works, the benefits and risks, and what to consider if you’re thinking about this type of breast augmentation.
What is the Fascia?
Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds muscles and other internal structures. It provides a framework of support.
In the breast area, the fascia lies right beneath the breast tissue and right above the pectoral muscle on the chest wall.
During subfascial breast augmentation, the surgeon creates a pocket under the fascia to hold the implant. The fascia then acts as a natural support, smoothing the implant’s edges and minimizing animation deformity (movement of the implant when the chest muscles flex).
Implant Placement Basics
When you’re planning breast augmentation, one of the first things you’ll discuss with your surgeon is where the implant will be placed. Here are a few common options:
Subglandular (Above the Muscle)
In a subglandular augmentation, the implant goes right under the glandular breast tissue, above the pectoral muscle.
- Advantages: Less complex surgery and a potentially faster recovery.
- Disadvantages: Higher risk of capsular contracture, more noticeable implant edges, and more visible rippling.
Submuscular (Below the Muscle)
With submuscular placement, the implant is tucked under the pectoralis major muscle.
- Advantages: A more natural appearance, lower risk of capsular contracture, and better coverage if you have thin breast tissue.
- Disadvantages: A longer recovery and the potential for animation deformity (where the implant moves when you flex your chest muscle).
Subfascial (Beneath the Fascia, Above the Muscle)
In subfascial augmentation, the implant is placed under the fascia, which is a thin layer of tissue that sits on top of the pectoral muscle.
- Advantages: This approach aims for a natural look, a faster recovery than submuscular placement, and a reduced risk of animation deformity.
- Disadvantages: It’s not right for every patient, and it carries the risks inherent in any surgery.
Is subfascial breast augmentation right for you?
Choosing the right type of breast augmentation is a very personal decision. Here’s what to consider.
Who is a good candidate for subfascial breast augmentation?
Subfascial augmentation might be a good choice if you:
- Want a result that looks and feels very natural
- Are concerned about animation deformity
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve
This approach may be especially helpful if you have thin or moderate breast tissue. It’s also an option for people who have older implants, implant displacement, or weakened pectoral muscles.
The consultation process: Unveiling your dream breasts
It’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess whether you’re a good candidate for subfascial augmentation and discuss all your options.
During the consultation, be prepared to talk openly about your goals and expectations. Your surgeon will perform a physical exam and take measurements. You’ll discuss implant types and sizes, along with the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
The Subfascial Breast Augmentation Procedure
So, what’s involved in getting a subfascial breast augmentation?
Preoperative Preparation: Getting Ready for Your Surgery
Before your surgery, you’ll have a conversation with your surgeon about the steps you’ll need to take to prepare. This may include getting medical clearance from your doctor, quitting smoking, stopping certain medications, and avoiding blood-thinning medications. Your surgeon will give you a list of pre-op instructions to follow.
Surgical Technique: A Glimpse into the Procedure
The procedure itself starts with anesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing. Your surgeon will make an incision, the location of which you’ll have already discussed and agreed upon. They’ll then create a pocket under the fascia, place the implant, and close the incision.
Recovery and Aftercare: Nurturing Your New Look
After the surgery, expect some initial discomfort, swelling, and bruising. You’ll likely need to wear a surgical bra for a period of time, and you’ll need to limit your activity. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort. Finally, you’ll have follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Results and Longevity
Expected Results: Your Vision, Brought to Life
With subfascial breast augmentation, you can expect enhanced size, shape, and symmetry of your breasts. The goal is a natural look that complements your body.
Keep in mind that individual anatomy, implant size and shape, and the surgeon’s skill all play a role in your final results.
Maintaining Long-Term Results
To keep your breasts looking their best for as long as possible, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight and understand that major life events like pregnancy can affect your results. Regular check-ups with your surgeon are also key to monitoring your implants and overall breast health.
What are the benefits of subfascial breast augmentation?
Subfascial breast augmentation is a popular choice for women who want a natural look and feel with a quick recovery. Here’s what makes it so appealing:
Natural look and feel
When the implant is placed under the fascia, the fascia provides support and contour, which can make the breasts look more natural. There’s also less chance of the implant rippling or being visible under the skin. Many women say subfascial implants feel softer and more natural than implants placed under the glandular tissue.
Reduced risk of capsular contracture
Capsular contracture happens when scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to harden or become distorted. Placing the implant under the fascia can help to lower the risk of this complication. The fascia may act as a protective layer between the implant and the breast tissue, which could reduce inflammation and scar tissue formation.
Faster recovery
Because subfascial placement is less traumatic to the pectoral muscle than submuscular placement, recovery tends to be faster. Many women are able to return to their normal activities more quickly.
Minimizes implant distortion
Subfascial placement can help to prevent the implant from becoming distorted, particularly in women who are very physically active.
How does subfascial augmentation compare to other techniques?
There are several placement options for breast implants, and each has its own set of pros and cons.
Subfascial vs. subglandular
With subglandular augmentation, the recovery tends to be faster, but there’s a higher risk of capsular contracture and rippling. With subfascial augmentation, the look and feel tend to be more natural, and the risk of capsular contracture may be lower. However, the recovery may be a little longer than with subglandular placement.
Subfascial vs. submuscular
Submuscular placement tends to produce the most natural appearance and carries the lowest risk of capsular contracture. However, the recovery takes longer, and there is a risk of animation deformity (a distortion of the breast shape when the chest muscles are flexed).
With subfascial placement, the look tends to be natural, and the recovery is faster than with submuscular. The risk of animation deformity is lower, but the risk of capsular contracture may be higher.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgery, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits before undergoing a breast augmentation.
Potential Risks of Subfascial Breast Augmentation
During your consultation, be sure to discuss the potential risks and complications associated with this procedure. These can include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hematoma (a collection of blood outside the blood vessels)
- Seroma (a collection of fluid under the skin)
- Capsular contracture (scar tissue forming around the implant)
- Implant malposition (the implant shifting out of place)
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Anesthesia complications
Choosing a Qualified Surgeon
Selecting an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial for a successful outcome. Do your homework. Check their credentials and experience, review before-and-after photos of their previous patients, and read patient reviews to get a sense of their skill and patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is subfascial breast augmentation right for everyone?
- No, not necessarily. The best way to know is to have a consultation with a surgeon who can assess your unique anatomy and goals.
- What’s the recovery like?
- You can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising at first, and you’ll need to limit your activities for a while. However, many patients report that the recovery period is shorter than with other breast augmentation methods.
- How long will my results last?
- That depends on a lot of things, including your overall health and lifestyle, and whether you experience any major life events that change your body.
Key Takeaways
Subfascial breast augmentation offers a natural look and feel, and it may come with a lower risk of capsular contracture. Many women also find the recovery easier than with a submuscular placement.
To find out if this approach is right for you, it’s important to consult with a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon. They will assess your individual anatomy and goals and recommend the best treatment plan to meet your needs.
Do your research, and discuss your expectations with your surgeon. With the right preparation and a skilled surgeon, you can achieve the beautiful, natural-looking results you desire.