Breast Augmentation: Cost, Reviews, Photos

Special considerations for breast augmentation in athletic women

There is no question that thin athletic women have special issues to consider for augmentation. Under-muscle implants are prone to what are called animation deformities, and over muscle implants tend to look fake regardless of the implant type.

I have had a special interest in cases like yours and developed an alternative called the split muscle method, which balances these competing issues. What many patients don’t realize is that using traditional methods for putting the implants under, the pectoral muscle is actually cut off of it’s attachment to the chest (that’s what causes the animation problems).

The split method preserves all of the attachments but uses only the upper half of the muscle in front of the implants, so there is coverage where it is most needed without sacrificing function of the muscle or risking breast distortion with activity. (Richard Baxter, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)

Breast Augmentation for petite, athletic woman

I think that you will achieve your best result with a silicone implant placed beneath your pectoralis muscle. I agree that you will be more likely to have some rippling which is visible if your implant is placed in the subglandular position. You must be prepared, however, for a period of at least 3-4 weeks in which you refrain from your vigorous workouts. (John Whitt, MD (retired), Louisville Plastic Surgeon)

Breast Augmentation placement

I am not a fan of above the muscle placement due to the higher likelyhood of palpability/visibility, contractures, sagging, though it is an acceptable option. On the other hand, under the muscle may be an issue if you do a lot of pec work (implants will jump up). I would still consider under, as the benefits, I believe outweigh the down side. Silicone implants are a good choice, and 25 to around 300 seems to be a good range for you, and will allow you to continue your activities. (Scott E. Kasden, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)

Best location of breast implants in a small, physically active woman

Breast implants are placed below the pectoralis muscle for a variety of reasons. The incidence of capsular contracture is lower and the muscle is an additional layer draped over the implant so that the implant is less visible.

The downside of this placement in a thin, physically active patient is that the implant will be squeezed by forceful use of your pectoralis muscle. Once you have healed, this squeezing will not disrupt or damage the implant, or move it out of place, but using your pects will make the breast appear to move. This is not usually visible through clothes, but can be visible when bare. In my practice, most of my patients don’t mind this, but I always tell them that this is a possibilty. I have patients who are weight lifters and manage just fine with submuscular implant placement.

Placing an implant above the muscle in a thin patient can allow the implant to be visible, particularly if the implant is bigger than your skin will easily accommodate. It is always worth getting a second opinion with another surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. I would also advise you to experiment with different implant sizes so that you are choosing a size that suits your needs. I guide my patients to help them pick an implant size, I never choose the size for them. (Elizabeth Slass Lee, MD, Bay Area Plastic Surgeon)

Over the muscle breast implants good for very athletic women.

250 cc’s might be a litte large for you, but otherwise your doctor’s plan for your breast implants is good.

Moderate plus profile, round, smooth walled, cohesive silicone gel implants should feel natural and hardly ever ripple. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired), Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

I would suggest silicone implants sub-muscular

Based on your description and you desires I would suggest submusculr silicone implants.The size will depend on the amount of skin and breast tissue and your breast base diameter. (Kamran Khoobehi, MD, New Orleans Plastic Surgeon)

Breast Implants and Athletic Women

In women that are muscle builders and do extreme bulking, implants below the muscle can be a problem. Most other athletic women will do better to put the implant below the muscle. I ask my patients not to emphasize the strengthening and bulking of the chest muscles but they can do everything else they desire.

With your petite status and thin tissue coverage I would recommend the silicone implants. Be wise with your size selection and you should get a nice result. (Marcus L. Peterson, MD, Saint George Plastic Surgeon)

There is not an ideal breast implant that is one-size-fits-all. Also there is not one technique the is appropriate for all patients. The decision really depends on the evaluation and in consultation with your plastic surgeon.

If you post pictures, we may be able to give you more specific advice. (David Shafer, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)