What are my body characteristics? How will that affect my expectations?

The breast implant can be placed either partially under the pectoralis major muscle (submuscular) or on top of the muscle and under the breast glands (subglandular), depending on the thickness of your breast tissue and its ability to adequately cover the breast implant. You should discuss with your surgeon the pros and cons of the implant placement selected for you.

Breast before & after implantation

Breast before implantation	Breast after subglandular implantation	Breast after submuscular implantation

The submuscular placement may result in less noticeable implants, less capsular contracture, and easier imaging of the breast with mammography.

The subglandular placement may make surgery and recovery shorter, be less painful, and be easier to access for reoperation than the submuscular placement.

Incision sites

There are three common incision sites: under the arm (transaxillary), around the nipple (periareolar), or within the breast fold (inframammary).

Periareolar

This incision is typically more concealed, but is associated with a higher likelihood of inability to successfully breastfeed, as compared to the other incision sites.

Inframammary

This incision is generally less concealed than periareolar and associated with less difficulty than the periareolar incision site when breastfeeding.

Transaxillary

This incision is less concealed than periareolar and associated with less difficulty than the periareolar incision site when breastfeeding.

Umbilical/endoscopic

This incision site has not been studied and is not recommended.

Surgical setting and anesthesia

Surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, either in a hospital operating room, surgery center or surgical suite in the surgeon's office. General anesthesia is commonly used, and local anesthesia is also an option. You should be sure to check with your surgeon and with the facility where the surgery will take place to become aware of the tests, pre-surgical examination and length of time you need to be without food for your routine medications, prior to the surgical procedure. The surgery usually lasts one to two hours. Your surgeon will make an incision and create a pocket for the breast implant. Then, the breast implant will be placed in the pocket and positioned. Finally, the incision will be closed, usually with stitches, and possibly taped.