What is the difference between overs and unders?

While most patients initially think about the shape and size they want their breast implants to be, it’s important to consider the placement of the implants - will they be placed under, over or between the muscle?

The experts here at MYA Cosmetic Surgery know everything there is to know about breast implant surgery, including how and where a breast implant should be placed for each individual patient. For more detail on breast implant surgery, read on.

Choosing your breast implants

Patients undergoing breast enlargement surgery or an augmented mastopexy procedure with breast implants need to consider the implants' size, shape, placement, and profile. This will be discussed in detail with your expert MYA surgeon during your consultation at one of the clinical hubs. You will also get the opportunity to try on different implant sizes to get a feel for the result you are looking to achieve.  

Another recommended way to 'try before you buy' is by using the viral Rice Test. This is a popular method with patient when they are picking their implant size. You basically put rice in a pair of tights to get a feel for what different size breast implants might look like. Use under a bra to see how clothes will look and get used to the extra weight. 

While this is a great way to test the waters, it's important to note that the rice test isn't an exact replica of how the breast implants will look, it's a fun way to give you an idea of the size and weight of breast implants. It's also difficult to get an understanding of where the breast implant should be placed, but that's where MYA comes in. 

What does 'over or under' mean?

When patients refer to the term overs and unders they typically describe the breast implant placement. 

There are 3 different placements that patients can choose from, however, not all breast implant placements are suitable for all patients, as your breast tissue has to be taken into consideration. 

Your MYA surgeon will make medical recommendations based on your physiology, natural breast tissue and desired result to ensure the best outcome for each individual.  

What affects breast implant placement?

When it comes to breast implants, there are a few factors that need to be considered before the procedure takes place. These include:

• How much natural breast tissue you have 

• Your body shape and frame  

• The implant size 

• The desired result you are looking to achieve  

At your consultation with the MYA team, you will be asked questions about your lifestyle and given the opportunity to get your questions about breast augmentation surgery answered by a professional.

What are the different types of breast implant placement?  

The placement of breast implants refers to whether the implant is placed under the muscle, over the muscle or partially between both: 

• Subglandular - The implant is placed in front of the muscle and behind the breast tissue. This is a popular placement and recovery can be less painful than other implant placements. Subglandular placement is often recommended to patients who have enough existing breast tissue to cover the implant fully.

• Submuscular - The implant is placed under the muscle, this helps to reduce the risk of rippling, the risk of capsular contracture and helps to provide a smoother contour from the clavicle to the nipple. Submuscular implant placement may lead to more discomfort during recovery, you may also be asked to wear a breast band post operatively to assist with the implants settling into the pockets. This is often the placement of choice for women with little existing breast tissue to cover the implants. 

• Subfascial - The implant is placed between the connective tissue (fascia) and the muscle. This may help to reduce the risk of rippling, prevent the appearance of a prominent profile and the muscle movement over the implant helps to soften it.
  

 How do I find the right breast implants? 

Research, research research! We always recommend carrying out research into the breast procedure you are considering before attending your surgeon consultation. Here at MYA we only use Mentor breast implants, Mentor are owned by Johnson & Johnson and manufacture the highest quality implants worldwide.

Having a good understanding of breast implants and the different options available to you will help you make an informed decision and attend the consultation with an idea of the look and size you are hoping to achieve with breast surgery.  

Joining the MYA forum, reading our patient stories and looking at before and after photos on our website is a great way to start your research process. However, it is important to remember that everybody is different and that 300cc implants in one patient might look very different in another patient.  

During your surgeon consultation, your surgeon will discuss the benefits and limitations of different breast implant sizes and placements, they will examine your breasts, take measurements and check your skin elasticity. 

This process will help inform the surgeon's recommendation for the best implant option for you. 

Contact MYA today for advice on breast implant surgery

Making the first steps and choosing which breast implants to pick doesn't need to be scary. MYA Cosmetic Surgery, are here to guide you through the process, our friendly experts are on hand to help you every step of the way and answer any questions you may have.

Book a FREE consultation today with a member of the MYA team to learn more about breast implants and the procedure you are considering!

Follow us on Instagram and join the MYA community to read more patient stories and see some of the amazing before and after pictures our happy patients post every day.