October 01, 2026 | 4 minute read
Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammaplasty, offers women a wide range of options to customize their breasts to fit their desired appearance and address their cosmetic concerns. Whether you’re seeking to enhance breast size and shape, correct asymmetry, or restore lost volume, certain types of breast augmentation techniques provide balanced, natural-looking results.
Depending on your breast implant type, anatomy, and aesthetic goals, Dr. Schwitzer will recommend the best options for implant placement and incision location.
Breast Implant Placement for Breast Augmentation
Each implant placement has unique advantages and is defined by how the breast implant engages with the chest muscle and surrounding tissue.
Subglandular Placement (Above the Muscle)
Dr. Schwitzer places the breast implant underneath the breast tissue and above the pectoral muscle. This technique helps prevent breast misshaping when flexing the chest muscle and may offer quicker recovery and less muscle discomfort. For women with minimal breast tissue, there is a higher risk of visible rippling and of a capsular contracture, which is when the natural scar tissue hardens around the breast implant.
Submuscular Placement (Below the Muscle)
The implant is placed underneath the pectoral muscle and above the chest wall. This placement creates a softer, more natural appearance. Patients with a slender figure and less breast tissue may be ideal candidates. The risk of capsular contracture or visible rippling is lower; however, submuscular placement may cause some chest discomfort and require a longer recovery period. Breast distortion can also occur when flexing the chest muscle.
Dual Plane Placement (Partially Below the Muscle)
This hybrid technique combines characteristics of both subglandular and submuscular placement. The top portion of the implant is placed under the pectoral muscle while the lower portion sits behind the breast tissue. Dual plane placement allows more natural movement while maintaining a soft upper-pole fullness and an authentic low-pole slope. Patients with moderate breast sagging or with thinner upper-pole breast tissue may benefit from this technique. Additionally, it reduces the risk of visible rippling, and recovery is comparable to submuscular placement.
Incision Location for Breast Augmentation
Depending on certain factors, such as your anatomy and breast implant type, there are a few options for where your incision will be located. Your incision location will also give you insight into where your breast augmentation scars will be.
Inframammary Incision
Dr. Schwitzer creates an incision within the natural curve beneath your breast. This is a popular approach for breast augmentation since it provides great access for Dr. Schwitzer and precise control in inserting the implant. This technique avoids disrupting milk ducts and leaves the scar neatly hidden in the breast crease.
Periareolar Incision
An incision is made around the nipple area, along the lower edge of the areola. The darker color of the areola blends well with the rest of the breast skin, resulting in a discreet scar. This may be an effective option if a patient is also combining breast augmentation with a breast lift to address mild breast sagging. It may be less suitable for larger implants.
Transaxillary Incision
A transaxillary incision is when the breast implant is inserted within the natural crease of the armpit. The breast is completely free of any visible scarring. However, it offers less precision and control when inserting the implant. This technique is usually used with saline implants because empty saline shells can easily pass through the small opening and then be filled inside the breast pocket.
Does Breast Implant Type Affect Incision Location or Implant Placement?
The type of breast implant you choose can influence both the incision used and where the implant is placed, but it is only one part of the surgical plan. Whether you choose saline or silicone implants, each option affects the surgical approach a little differently. Saline implants are inserted empty and filled after placement, which can allow for a smaller incision. Silicone implants are pre-filled, so they may require a slightly longer incision. Implant placement also depends on factors such as natural breast tissue, anatomy, implant size, and desired result.
Dr. Jonathan Schwitzer is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery and specialized experience in breast procedures, bringing both technical precision and an individualized approach to breast augmentation. During your consultation, Dr. Schwitzer will take the time to understand your aesthetic goals and anatomy. His individualized planning helps determine the best combination of implant type, incision location, and placement for you.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Surgery in Miami Beach, FL
If you’re curious about breast augmentation and what it entails, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Schwitzer by calling (305) 865-2026 or filling out our online contact form. Take the next step to breast enhancement and all it has to offer.