Should Breast Implants Be Placed Above or Behind the Muscle? Dr. Usha Rajagopal Explains
Breast Augmentation in San Francisco: Implant Placement Options Explained
One of the most frequently asked questions Dr. Usha Rajagopal receives during breast augmentation consultations at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center is whether breast implants should be placed above the muscle or behind the muscle. The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best placement depends on a patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and desired aesthetic outcome.
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Why Dr. Rajagopal Prefers Behind-the-Muscle Placement for Most Patients
In most cases, Dr. Rajagopal recommends placing implants behind the pectoral muscle, using the dual-plane I technique. This method positions the implant mostly under the muscle, while allowing a gentle release of the muscle near the cleavage and lower breast area. This improves the overall contour and creates a more natural-looking result.
Benefits of behind-the-muscle placement include:
Lower risk of capsular contracture (scar tissue formation)
More natural slope and shape, especially in thin patients
Better coverage of the implant for a softer appearance
This approach has become a cornerstone of Dr. Rajagopal’s technique and is well-suited for women seeking long-term stability and natural results.
When Above-the-Muscle Placement May Be the Better Option
While behind-the-muscle placement is appropriate for most women, there are select cases where above-the-muscle (subglandular) placement may offer better results.
Dr. Rajagopal may recommend this technique for patients who:
Have a wide chest and want more centralized cleavage
Have a short nipple-to-inframammary fold distance
Are competitive athletes or fitness models with very low body fat and highly defined muscles
For these individuals, placing the implant above the muscle can help maintain muscle definition and avoid distortion when flexing. However, Dr. Rajagopal always explains that this method may come with a slightly higher risk of capsular contracture compared to submuscular placement.
Why Dr. Rajagopal Recommends Motiva Implants for Above-the-Muscle Augmentation
For patients considering subglandular implant placement, Dr. Rajagopal is especially excited about a newer generation of implants: Motiva.
Motiva implants are designed with a nanotextured surface and advanced biocompatibility, which studies suggest may lower the risk of complications like capsular contracture, even when placed above the muscle. Based on recent European research and emerging U.S. data, Motiva is Dr. Rajagopal’s top choice for patients seeking above-the-muscle placement.
Personalized Breast Augmentation Planning
At the San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, every breast augmentation is tailored to the patient. During your consultation, Dr. Usha Rajagopal will evaluate your anatomy, listen to your goals, and recommend a surgical plan that aligns with your desired look and lifestyle.
With over two decades of experience and thousands of successful procedures, Dr. Rajagopal is widely recognized for her natural, beautiful breast augmentation results.
Ready to explore your options?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Usha Rajagopal.