Advantages of Dual Plane Placement for Breast Implants

What Is Dual Plane Placement?

Dual plane placement involves placing the upper portion of the breast implant beneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular) while the lower portion lies directly under the breast glandular tissue (subglandular). This hybrid approach allows the implant to achieve a more natural look and feel while addressing specific anatomical and aesthetic concerns.

Advantages of Dual Plane Placement

1. Natural Appearance: The dual plane technique provides a smooth transition from the chest wall to the breast, reducing the risk of a visible implant edge or unnatural contours. This makes it especially effective for patients with thin breast tissue.
2. Reduced Risk of Capsular Contracture: By placing part of the implant under the muscle, dual plane placement reduces direct contact between the implant and the breast tissue. This can lower the risk of capsular contracture, a condition where scar tissue hardens around the implant.
3. Improved Mammogram Accuracy: With the implant partially under the muscle, mammograms are more likely to yield accurate results, as the implant does not obscure breast tissue as much as it would in subglandular placement.
4. Enhanced Aesthetic Versatility: Dual plane placement accommodates a wide range of aesthetic goals. It can correct issues like mild ptosis (sagging) by allowing the implant to fill out the lower pole of the breast more effectively.
5. Minimized Animation Deformity: Unlike complete submuscular placement, where the implant is entirely beneath the muscle, the dual plane method reduces the risk of noticeable implant movement during muscle contraction.
6. Customizable for Patient Anatomy: Surgeons can adjust the extent of muscle release to tailor the placement to the patient’s unique anatomy and desired outcome.

Disadvantages of Other Implant Placements

Submuscular Placement

In submuscular placement, the implant is entirely beneath the pectoral muscle. While this method offers some benefits, it has notable disadvantages:

• Increased Recovery Time: Submuscular placement often involves a longer recovery period due to the disruption of muscle tissue.
• Higher Risk of Animation Deformity:Muscle contractions can distort the appearance of the implant, especially during physical activity.
• Potential for Limited Lower Pole Fullness:The muscle can restrict the implant’s ability to create fullness in the lower part of the breast.

Subglandular Placement

In subglandular placement, the implant is positioned directly beneath the breast glandular tissue. While this method allows for quicker recovery, it also has significant drawbacks:

• Higher Risk of Capsular Contracture: Direct contact between the implant and breast tissue increases the likelihood of scar tissue formation.
• Less Natural Appearance: Thin patients with minimal breast tissue may experience visible implant edges or rippling.
• Limited Mammogram Clarity: Subglandular placement can obscure breast tissue, complicating mammographic imaging.

Subfascial Placement

This method places the implant beneath the fascia (a thin layer of connective tissue covering the muscle) but above the muscle itself. While it’s considered a compromise between subglandular and submuscular placements, it has its downsides:

• Limited Support: The fascia may not provide adequate support to prevent implant displacement or sagging over time.
• Inconsistent Results: Outcomes may vary depending on the thickness and integrity of the patient’s fascia.
• Less Effective in Thin Patients: Like subglandular placement, subfascial positioning may result in visible implant edges in patients with minimal breast tissue.

Why Dual Plane Placement Stands Out

The dual plane technique combines the advantages of both submuscular and subglandular placements while minimizing their respective disadvantages. By strategically positioning the implant to work with the patient’s anatomy, dual plane placement achieves a balance of aesthetics, functionality, and long-term satisfaction.