WHAT IS A “DUAL PLANE” BREAST AUGMENTATION?
A breast augmentation is a procedure performed to increase the size of the breasts, but not all breast augmentations are the same. Breast augmentation can be accomplished by inserting implants made out of either silicone or saline through an incision, which is most commonly placed in the fold under the breast, or inframammary fold. But what about how an implant is surgically inserted? You may have heard of the difference between a sub-mammary and a sub-muscular breast implants, but maybe were not aware that there is an approach that combines some of the advantages of each without as much of the drawback of either called “dual plane” augmentation. Dual plane augmentation mammoplasty is a modification of the procedure that involves dissecting between the breast tissue and pectoralis muscle layer (sub-mammary augmentation) as well as between the pectoralis muscle and the chest wall (sub-muscular augmentation). The reason this is advantageous is that it causes the fan-shaped pectoralis muscle to slide up and “window-shade” off of the lower portion of the breast implant. The effect this has is similar to the way blinds that are partially open allow light in the lower portion of a window but not the upper; likewise, the lower pole of the breast has more implant prominence than the upper, making for a more natural curvature of the breast mound. This has a similar effect as a shaped implant without using an actual shaped implant. It also allows for protection from capsular contracture, or an “over-scarring phenomenon” of the lining around the breast implant, while still providing precise placement and defined projection. A dual plane breast enlargement should not only make the breasts larger, but also create a natural and tailored result that allows for a discrete recovery while still experiencing maximal results.
If you are considering a dual plane breast augmentation, then feel free to inquire if you are a candidate. Some things you can expect from a dual plane breast augmentation are:
- Fuller lower half of the breast with less noticeable upper breast implant prominence
- Less risk of issues associated with either under-the-muscle or under-the-breast tissue augmentation mammoplasty
- Less risk of an implant placed too high
- A more natural breast contour that fills out more in the lower half in the manner that most non-augmented breasts are shaped
If you are interested in a breast augmentation, remember that this procedure requires surgery in an operating room and you should expect some recovery time. Breast tissue is also routinely screened for cancer with a mammogram, ultrasound, or other imaging study, which is important to complete prior to performing surgery on the breast. An augmentation mammoplasty is performed by plastic and reconstructive surgeons and produces a small scar on or around the breast. In good candidates, a breast augmentation can be performed as an outpatient in an ambulatory surgical center. For patients with gials like those above, a dual plane breast augmentation is a great way to achieve a natural-appearing fuller chest.
If you would like to learn more about a breast augmentation, reach out to Kristopher M. Day, MD, FACS by emailing Info@PacificSoundPlasticSurgery.com to schedule a complementary consultation. Dr. Day has extensive experience in breast augmentation and enjoys exploring the options with patients in order to customize their best outcome!
