Consumer Guide to Breast Implant Placement

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

Breast implants are placed behind the breast in three main locations:

• Subglandular implant placement
• Partial submuscular implant placement
• Complete submuscular implant placement

The optimum implant placement location depends on the size of the breast implants, your individual anatomy and other factors related to your goals and expectations.

This consumer guide provides articles on each placement location. Below you'll find a brief introduction to each article.

Subglandular Implant Placement

Subglandular implant placement places the breast implant under the breast tissue, but above the muscles in the chest.
Learn more about subglandular implant placement.

Partial Submuscular Implant Placement

Partial submuscular implant placement places the breast implant under the breast tissue, and partially under the pectoral and other chest muscles.
Learn more about partial submuscular implant placement.

Complete Submuscular Implant Placement

Complete submuscular implant placement places the breast implant under the pectoral and chest muscles.
Learn more about complete submuscular implant placement.

[page updated April 2008]