Partial Submuscular Breast Implant Placement

Reviewed by Scott R. Miller, MD, FACS and by Michael Olding, MD, FACS

In partial submuscular implant placement, the implant is placed behind the breast tissue and partially under the pectoral and other chest muscles.

During the procedure, the lowest part of the pectoralis major muscle is cut so that the upper part of the implant sits deeply beneath the muscle, but the lower part sits beneath the breast (subglandular).

Breast Anatomy Related to Partial Submuscular Implant Placement

A woman's breast is soft tissue that extends over and beyond the pectoral muscles of the upper chest. During the procedure, the lowest part of the pectoralis major muscle is cut so that the upper part of the implant may sit beneath and deeply into the muscle. However, the lower part of the implant sits beneath the breast (subglandularly).

The breast comprises a complex group of tissues, including glandular, fatty, and fibrous tissues. The breast is positioned over the pectoral muscles of the chest wall and is attached to the chest wall by fibrous strands called Cooper's ligaments. The glandular and fatty tissue in the breast is what gives the breast the soft consistency. This tissue extends throughout the breasts, surrounding the glands and fibrous tissues.

Consult a Surgeon

A board-certified plastic surgeon can answer your questions and help you decide which type of breast implant procedure is best for you.

[page updated June 2008]