Sub-Fascial Breast Augmentation for Phoenix

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Sigalove is excited to bring the “internal bra” sub-fascial breast augmentation technique to Scottsdale Center for Plastic Surgery. This approach to one of the world’s most popular cosmetic procedures allows qualified patients with a minimally invasive, muscle-sparing breast augmentation that reduces both post-operative discomfort and recovery time.

Sub-Facial Breast Augmentation vs. Traditional Breast Augmentation

Unlike standard submuscular (dual plane) breast augmentation, where the pectoralis major muscle is partially divided and elevated, this technique involves creating a pocket by carefully dissecting the pectoralis fascia (tissue covering the muscle) off of the pectoralis major muscle. The implant is then inserted into the pocket created underneath the fascia and breast tissue and is supported by a piece of bio-resorbable mesh that functions as an “internal bra.”

Is the Mesh for the Internal Bra Safe?

It is important to note that this mesh is very safe, completely reabsorbed, and replaced by your own tissues over time. It is totally unrelated to the vaginal mesh that is often seen in lawsuit commercials. The procedure maximizes the aesthetic outcome by ensuring a beautifully shaped breast, and Dr. Sigalove or Dr. Cohen can help determine if the sub-fascial approach is appropriate for you.

Is the Internal Mesh Necessary?

The resorbable mesh provides stability and over time it is replaced with your own collagen, which is stronger than the natural tissues. This mesh is the key to success with this procedure as it reduces the incidence of malposition, bottoming-out, and rippling, which can be common problems with traditional “over the muscle” breast augmentation. No drains are needed with this type of mesh.

Who Would Benefit From This Technique?

Sub-fascial breast augmentation is ideal for women who exercise regularly, practice yoga or Pilates, lift weights, or perform bodybuilding and want to return to their regular routines as early as possible following their operation. By not placing the implant below the muscle, the unwanted side-effect known as “hyper-animation” or “flexion deformity” is avoided. Finally, in patients with wider-spaced chest muscles, this technique can allow for a narrower cleavage spacing because placement of the implants is independent of where the muscles insert on the sternum.

Beyond Belief! 100% Satisfied with my Results

“Dr. Sigalove and his staff have continued to impress me. Dr. Sigalove took the time to listen and ask questions that helped me to achieve results beyond what I thought were possible! I can truly say I feel like my youth has been restored, from a small B to a DD with no regrets!” – RealSelf review

The Sub-Fascial Approach: Are You a Candidate?

The sub-fascial augmentation with an internal bra approach is popular thanks to its reduced recovery time; however, each patient must be evaluated to determine if sub-fascial is the right approach for their unique anatomy. A detailed assessment by Dr. Sigalove or Dr. Cohen is critical to ensure that this procedure is appropriate, and in patients with unfavorable anatomy for this approach (for example, those with very thin soft tissue coverage), a dual-plane breast augmentation is an excellent alternative option.

sub-fascial breast augmentation diagram

Sub-Fascial Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift

While sub-facial breast augmentation makes the breasts fuller, it does not correct moderate to significant sagging. A breast lift raises and reshapes the breasts, but it does not make them larger; in fact, it can make them look smaller. When patients want to fill out and tighten their breasts, they will need a combination of these procedures. Learn more in this blog post.

How It’s Performed

Like traditional breast augmentation, our surgeons perform sub-fascial breast augmentation using general anesthesia administered by a board-certified M.D. anesthesiologist in our ultra-modern, state-accredited surgical center. In most cases, both surgeons use the inframammary (breast crease) incision to place the implant, which allows them to precisely control the dissection of the pocket and minimize the risk of capsular contracture. Next, the surgeon creates a pocket between the fascia of the pectoralis major muscle and the breast tissue and adds the resorbable mesh for support. He inserts your preferred implant within this pocket using a Keller Funnel for a “no-touch technique,” which further reduces risks of infection and capsular contraction.

Can Sub-Fascial Breast Augmentation Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Our doctors often combine sub-fascial breast augmentation with other plastic surgery procedures to give patients multiple improvements with a single surgery and recovery period (often called a mommy makeover). Popular options include:

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Recovery After Surgery

By avoiding dissection of the pectoralis major muscle, patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks following their surgery. Compared to standard breast augmentations, the recovery time and time back to work tend to be faster, and patients rarely require medications stronger than ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

While patient experiences vary, recovery after sub-fascial breast augmentation generally proceeds as follows:

  • Right after surgery: Patients return home on the day of surgery. Discomfort is typically minimal because the chest muscles are not impacted.
  • 3 to 5 days: Most patients are comfortably back to work, school, and other normal daily activities.
  • 2 weeks: Light exercise such as yoga and Pilates may be resumed. Most patients are close to full recovery and can resume normal physical activities as directed by their doctor.

We encourage you to read our Post-Op FAQ for general information about recovery after plastic surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do sub-fascial implants settle?

Breast implants settle gradually as swelling dissipates and the breast skin and tissues relax. In general, settling is not as noticeable with sub-fascial implants as with submuscular implants.

Is sub-fascial placement under the muscle?

No. Sub-fascial placement is under the breast tissue and fascia that covers the muscle but on top of the muscle.

What type of breast augmentation looks the most natural?

The most natural type of breast augmentation depends on the choice of implants, individual patient factors, and surgical expertise. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation is the best way to end up with the most natural-looking results.

Is sub-fascial breast augmentation surgery safe?

Yes, the internal mesh used during the surgery minimizes complications and is gradually reabsorbed by the body over time.

What’s the rate of subfascial capsular contracture?

Studies have shown that subfascial breast augmentation has a very low capsular contracture rate of approximately 1%.1

Will my implants need to be replaced at some point after my sub-fascial breast augmentation?

Breast implants are not meant to last a lifetime. While they don’t come with a specific “expiration date,” breast implants typically last at least 10 years. If, at some point, you want to change the size or type of implants, our surgeons can perform an elective implant exchange.

If a rapid recovery after breast augmentation sounds appealing to you, request your consultation online, or call Scottsdale Center for Plastic Surgery at (480) 423-1973 to schedule a detailed and customized evaluation with Dr. Sigalove or Dr. Cohen.

1 Gould D, Shauly O, Ohanissian L, et al. Subfascial Breast Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Capsular Contracture. Aesthet Surg J. 2020 Feb 5;2(1):ojaa006.

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