Subglandular Implant Placement

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

Subglandular breast surgery places the implant behind the breast, but in front of the muscles and fibrous tissues that line the front of the ribs and chest wall.

Breast Anatomy Related to Subglandular Implant Placement

A woman's breast is a soft tissue that extends over and beyond the pectoral muscles of the upper chest. 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 fatty tissue in the breast is what gives the breast a 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.

About the Reviewer of This Article

Michael Olding, MD, FACS, of Washington, D.C. is board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgery and the National Capital Society of Plastic Surgeons, where he was elected president. Dr. Olding specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery procedures and clinically related activities in cosmetic surgery, cosmetic facial surgery, breast augmentation and reduction, rhinoplasty, body contouring, liposuction and melanoma. He is also one of the area experts on soft-tissue fillers (Restylane, Sculptra and Botox). He received his doctorate in medicine from the University of Kentucky in 1980 and completed his internship at Cornell Medical Center. He completed his fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery at McGill University in Montreal. Dr. Olding maintains hospital staff privileges at George Washington University Medical Center, Sibley Hospital and Children's Hospital in Washington, D.C. More about Dr. Michael Olding

[page updated June 2008]