Breast Implant
What is Submuscular Breast Implant Surgery?

For many women, a breast augmentation is a personal choice, often driven by a desire to feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.
With various techniques and options available, understanding their differences is crucial. One of the most popular and often recommended methods is submuscular breast implant placement.
We will tell you everything you need to know about submuscular breast implant surgery, from the procedure itself to recovery and results.
What is submuscular implant placement?
Submuscular breast implant placement, or dual-plane or retropectoral placement, involves positioning the breast implant beneath the pectoralis major muscle.
Unlike a subglandular (over-the-muscle) placement, where the implant rests directly behind the breast tissue, the submuscular breast implant is partially or fully covered by muscle.
This technique is often preferred for its ability to create a more natural-looking and feeling result, as the muscle gives an extra layer of coverage, especially for women with minimal natural breast tissue.
The submuscular breast implant surgery process is delicate, requiring a skilled and experienced surgeon to create a pocket for the implant.
The specific method used—partial or full submuscular breast implant placement—will depend on your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.

The benefits of submuscular breast implant placement
Submuscular breast implant placement offers several distinct advantages – some of which are:
- Natural appearance: The muscle layer helps to soften the implant’s edges, preventing a “fake” or “over-augmented” look. This is especially beneficial for slender women, as the submuscular breast implant is less likely to be visible or palpable.
- Reduced risk of capsular contracture: Some studies suggest that the risk of capsular contracture, a complication where scar tissue tightens around the implant, may be lower with submuscular breast implant placement.
- Improved mammogram results: The positioning of the submuscular breast implant can make it easier to visualise breast tissue during a mammogram, as the implant is pushed away from the glandular tissue.
- Less sagginess over time: The muscle can provide additional support, helping to maintain the breast’s position and shape and potentially delaying sagging.
Understanding the different breast implant types and placement options is the first step towards making an informed decision about your surgery.
What to expect during your submuscular breast implant surgery
Before the submuscular breast implant surgery, you’ll have a detailed consultation to discuss your goals, select the right size and type of implant, and determine the best approach for your body.
The surgery is conducted under general anaesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision, create the submuscular pocket, and insert the implant.
Once the implant is in place, the incision is closed with sutures. A drainage tube may be used for a short time to prevent fluid buildup.
Your surgeon will provide you with specific pre- and post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth submuscular breast implant recovery.
Submuscular breast implant recovery time: What's the timeline?
The submuscular breast implant recovery time is a pivotal phase of the process. While every experience is unique, here is a general timeline:
- First few days: You will feel sore and tight in your chest. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort. It’s important to rest and avoid lifting heavy objects.
- First two weeks: Bruising and swelling will gradually subside. You can begin light activities, but strenuous exercise should be avoided.
- First six weeks: Most of the swelling will have gone down, and you can resume normal activities, including most exercises. The full submuscular breast implant results will start to become more apparent.
- Several months: The implants will settle into their final position, and any residual swelling will disappear, revealing the final aesthetic submuscular breast implant results.
Following your surgeon’s instructions is paramount to a successful and quick submuscular breast implant recovery.

Achieving the best submuscular breast implant results
The final submuscular breast implant results are a combination of expert surgical technique and diligent post-operative care.
Women who choose submuscular breast implant placement often find that the outcome is a beautifully natural-looking and feeling bustline that complements their body’s proportions.
The subtle contouring and smooth transition from the chest wall to the breast are hallmarks of a successful submuscular breast implant surgery.
Understanding the submuscular breast implant cost
The submuscular breast implant cost can vary based on several factors, including the surgeon’s fee, the type of implant, anaesthesia costs, and facility charges.
While it’s natural to be concerned about the price, it’s essential to remember that this is an investment in yourself and your confidence.
A consultation with the surgeon will provide a clear breakdown of the submuscular breast implant cost so you can make an informed decision without any surprises.
What is submuscular breast implant removal?
While implants are designed to be long-lasting, some patients may eventually consider submuscular breast implant removal. This can be due to a desire for a different size, a change in personal preference, or, in the rare event of a complication.
The process of submuscular breast implant removal involves carefully extracting the implant and any surrounding scar tissue. Your surgeon can discuss the options for either replacing the implants or letting the breast tissue return to its natural state.
Trust Dr Faisal Salim for Expert Care
Dr Faisal Salim is a highly skilled plastic surgeon in Dubai with extensive experience in submuscular breast implant placement.
He understands that every patient is unique and is dedicated to providing personalised care as per your individual needs and goals.
With a focus on natural-looking results and patient safety, Dr Salim’s expertise in submuscular breast implant surgery ensures you are in the best hands.
Book your consultation with Dr Faisal Salim today.
Patient Testimonials
Dr Faisal was nothing but outstanding during my entire journey in deciding if I should have a deep plane facelift in my 40’s. I didn’t want fillers and other interim interventions, all I wanted was to turn back time with what I had! From the very first consultation to before and after surgery including my many WhatsApp messages during my recovery months Dr Faisal was calm, reassuring and always there for me. It’s now 6 months on and I can honestly say it was the right decision to make. I am thrilled that it doesn’t look obvious that anything has been done but certainly friends and family comment on how fresh and alive I look! I would highly recommend Dr Faisal for his professional, calm, reassuring and expert advice for anyone considering such a big decision in their life. Juli Fairclough-Davis2024-12-05 I couldn’t say enough wonderful things to do Dr. Faisal justice! He listens. He cares. He has deep discussion with you to be certain he is targeting your root problem or concern. His staff is lovely. He doesn’t miss a step! After a botched mommy make over and THEN a trans-abdominal hysterectomy I was left with a massive scar and intense daily pain. Dr. Faisal gave me my life back! After 6.5 YEARS of intense, debilitating, life-altering pain, I am finally set free! My results are truly remarkable. I could not have asked for anything to go better! I am pain free, I have my athletic build back again and can get back to my active lifestyle with my kiddos again! I hope I never need surgery again in my lifetime but if I do- I’ll go to the ends of the earth to make sure it’s in his hands! He’s a realist and will not lie to you. He sets real expectations and then exceeds them by leaps and bounds! I am forever grateful to Dr. Faisal! Kat Overbeck2024-10-17 Cannot fault the service from start to finish. Highly recommend Dr Faisal and the team. Thank you for everything. Alice Williams2024-10-05 My neighbor recommended Dr. Faisal to me , and I am so happy with the result with only 4months now.I have done the breast augmentation and nipple correction. Dr. Faisal is so professional so good, he can hear you and understand what you want, and he did the work perfectly . I am very happy with my breast now. The results are even better than I had hoped. TT &T2024-09-30 Review of Dr. Faisal - abdominoplasty As a diabetic who had embarked on a weight loss journey to improve my health, I found myself facing a new challenge - unsightly loose skin around my tummy. This unexpected outcome of my weight loss efforts impacted my self-confidence, especially when it came to how I dressed and carried myself. Despite the physical transformation I had achieved, the presence of excess skin made me feel self-conscious and hesitant to fully embrace my new body. Therefore, I started researching doctors who could carry out the procedure. Upon scheduling my initial consultation, recommended by a friend, Dr. Faisal meticulously guided me through the surgery, addressing all my inquiries and aligning with my objectives. Prior to the operation, he dedicated time to addressing any concerns, remaining accessible for my numerous questions, and offering detailed instructions for the recovery process. Post-surgery, he closely monitored my progress and was consistently available for support, even during unconventional hours, providing reassurance and comfort. The recovery is always different for everyone but honestly, I felt it was made easier with the great support and did not struggle at all. I was up and about within a couple of days.....obviously with limitations. Now post 6 week mark i can confidently say Dr. Faisal's exceptional expertise resulted in a fabulous result (i find myself constantly checking myself out in the mirror and i can see abs !!), significantly boosting my self-confidence and I would highly recommend him to anyone contemplating this procedure. Puja Gujral2024-09-02 I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Faisal. After having 4 children including a set of twins, I no longer recognized myself when I looked in the mirror. My confidence was non existent. However, the thought of an extended abdominoplasty and breast lift was very daunting. Dr Faisal took the time to explain the whole procedure, recovery and expected outcome in an honest and frank manner whilst allaying any concerns or fears. The result is life changing. I was supported throughout the recovery and I now feel like I have my spark back. I enjoy exercising again and no longer look for baggy clothes to hide my body. Jennifer Durston MA Elip FCCT2024-08-28 I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the outstanding results of my surgeries. I am beyond thrilled with the outcome, and every time I look in the mirror, I feel an overwhelming sense of joy and confidence. Dr Faisal's exceptional skill and artistry are truly remarkable, and I am incredibly grateful to have found such an amazing surgeon. Thank you Dr Faisal for your beautiful work. Louise2024-08-17 Dr. Faisal is an exceptional doctor. Living in Dubai, it's not easy to find the right plastic surgeon. In previous years, I checked many profiles, but somehow I didn't trust them. One day, based on my friend's recommendation (and also after reading excellent reviews), I booked a consultation with Dr. Faisal. He really listens to his patients and answered my long list of questions, even the super silly ones. I didn't go anywhere else, I booked the surgery straight away. The results are just amazing; I got exactly what I asked for. I would highly recommend Dr. Faisal to anyone considering plastic surgery. Dora Czuczor2024-08-08 I had breast reduction surgery with Dr Faisal Salim 2 months ago. I was a GG cup size. Before the operation I searched for a good surgeon in the UAE and abroad for over a year, I selected 3 surgeons to meet with and one of them was Dr Faisal. I chose him because he was friendly and thorough in his explanation of what the surgery entailed and in managing my expectations. He and his team were always ready to answer my questions and his assistant Nazokat has been so lovely and helpful. I went into this surgery, very nervous of course, but fully aware of all the possible outcomes and I ended up with results that surpassed my dream scenario. I am so happy with the size and shape of my breasts. I am now a perky C cup at 43! Beyond the aesthetic aspect of my transformation, the health benefits are numerous; It is much easier to just exist everyday and do mondain activities with ease when it was a struggle before. I am able to keep up with my young children and working out has become so much easier that my fitness goals don’t seem so distant anymore. The positive consequences of this intervention don’t end here; one of the most significant outcomes is the impact on my confidence and self esteem; my family noticed that I’m more outgoing and I engage with others more and seem less reserved. I simply feel a million times better about myself! Dr Faisal did an amazing job and I will forever be thankful to him and cannot recommend him enough. He is a highly skilled surgeon and understands what his patients’ worries and preoccupations are. He is reassuring but honest and upfront about possible challenges which is exactly what I was looking for. This surgery is the best thing I have ever done for myself and I recommend it to every woman who suffers from the burden of having very large breasts. My first visit with Dr Faisal was just a chat about what I was looking for, it was relaxed and I didn’t feel pressured at all. It helped me in realising that this issue that seemed insurmountable could actually be fixed - and now that it is, I wish for every woman who is in the situation I was in to meet with Dr Faisal and get a new lease of life 😊 Laïla Waugh2024-07-25 I want to thank Dr. Faisal for performing on excellent procedure: face lift, neck lift and blepharoplasty- all together during the same surgery- Great ! His bedside manner was excellent. I’m very happy with the results ! This surgery has made a positive impact on my self esteem. Dr. Faisal answered all my questions reassuring me with professionalism at every stage of my journey providing accurate information. Dr. Faisal’s knowledge and skills gave me a very natural look, avoid raising unrealistic expectations. I want to mention also the team at the clinic : friendly and professional. I greatly appreciate everything Dr. Faisal has done for me. Highly recommended- 5 stars. Maria A2024-05-06