The majority of patients express satisfaction with their breast augmentation procedures, but there are some common issues that can arise. If you have noticed your implants appearing firm and round during certain movements or experiencing malposition, you are not alone. We spoke with experts to understand the causes of these issues and what you should know about implant placement.
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According to Dr. Mark Jewell, a plastic surgeon in Portland, OR, patients who have biplanar implant placement often report positional and aesthetic issues. While this has been a traditional approach among plastic surgeons, some patients experience animation deformities and implant malposition.
Biplanar or dual-plane implant placement is a popular choice among experienced surgeons, but it may not be suitable for every patient.
Understanding Biplanar Implants
There are several ways to place a breast implant, including submuscular, subglandular, and subfascial. Biplanar implants involve placing the upper portion of the implant under the pectoral muscle and the lower half just under the breast tissue.
Dr. Mokhtar Asaadi, a plastic surgeon in New York, explains that the dual-plane technique creates a natural slope at the top of the breast while providing fullness at the bottom. It is a suitable choice for women seeking a natural yet voluminous look.
However, there are some drawbacks to biplanar implants.
Challenges with Biplanar Implants
Dr. Jewell warns that biplanar implants can lead to animation deformity and waterfall deformity, where the breast tissue falls off the implant mound, creating a sudden drop. Patients may also experience malposition due to the strength of the pectoralis major muscle.
Additionally, the firm, ball-like appearance of the breasts during certain movements is a common indication of biplanar implant displacement.
Exploring Alternative Placement Techniques
Reports from patients have prompted plastic surgeons to consider alternative implant placement techniques. Dr. Raman C. Mahabir, a plastic surgeon in Tucson, AZ, suggests that over-the-muscle placement may be ideal for patients with sufficient natural breast tissue.
Another emerging option is the subfascial approach, which connects the breast tissue and implant to avoid issues like waterfall deformity and animation deformity.