Why does Dr. Rieger only perform under-the-muscle breast augmentation?

Dr. Rieger believes under-the-muscle placement offers excellent cosmetic results while allowing for improved mammogram visualization and better implant coverage for many patients.

Is under-the-muscle placement more painful?

Most patients experience temporary muscle tightness during the first few days after surgery. This gradually improves as healing progresses.

Does under-the-muscle placement look more natural?

For many women—particularly those with thinner breast tissue—it creates a smoother upper breast contour and provides additional soft tissue coverage over the implant.

Will under-the-muscle implants affect exercise?

Most patients return to exercise after they've healed and are cleared by Dr. Rieger. Chest workouts are typically resumed gradually according to postoperative instructions.

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for breast augmentation?

The best way to determine candidacy is through a consultation. Dr. Rieger will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend a personalized treatment plan.

How do I qualify for the $100 SkinPen® patient rebate?

Patients who purchase and complete a 3-treatment SkinPen® microneedling series may qualify for a $100 Visa® gift card through SkinPen’s official patient rebate program. Eligibility is subject to program terms.

How do patients submit the SkinPen® rebate?

Patients submit their rebate directly through SkinPen’s rebate website using their unique rebate code and proof of purchase. Our practice does not process rebate submissions.

How long does it take to receive the rebate?

Rebate gift cards are typically delivered by email within up to three weeks after submission, depending on SkinPen’s processing timeline.

When does the SkinPen® rebate offer end?

This is a limited-time offer and is currently scheduled to run through the end of June, subject to availability and program terms.

Breast Implant Placement: Under the Muscle vs. Over the Muscle

Q: Can implants be placed over the muscle instead?

While implants can be placed over the muscle in some situations, Dr. Rieger performs breast augmentation using under-the-muscle placement because he believes it provides the best long-term outcomes for his patients.

Not sure where breast implants are placed? Implant placement plays an important role in your breast augmentation results, recovery, and long-term breast health.

While breast implants can be positioned in different locations, Dr. James Rieger performs breast augmentation using under-the-muscle (submuscular) placement. Based on his experience, this technique provides excellent cosmetic outcomes while allowing for improved mammogram visualization compared to implants placed above the muscle.

During your consultation, Dr. Rieger will evaluate your anatomy and explain how implant placement contributes to achieving your cosmetic goals.

You'll also discuss the differences between Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants to determine which implant type is right for you.

Breast Implant Placement at a Glance

Under-the-Muscle Placement (Dr. Rieger's Approach)

✓ Implant positioned beneath the pectoral muscle

✓ Better implant coverage

✓ Natural-looking upper breast contour

✓ Improved mammogram visualization

✓ Reduced implant visibility in thinner patients

✓ Technique used for all breast augmentations performed by Dr. Rieger

Why Dr. Rieger Performs Under-the-Muscle Breast Augmentation

Although breast implants may be placed either above or below the chest muscle, Dr. James Rieger performs breast augmentation using under-the-muscle placement.

He believes this approach offers important advantages for many patients, including:

Improved mammogram visualization
Better implant coverage
More natural upper breast fullness
Reduced implant rippling in women with thinner breast tissue
Beautiful long-term cosmetic results

Every woman is different, and Dr. Rieger will explain how this technique supports your individual anatomy and desired outcome during your consultation.

Learn more about Breast Implant Safety, including long-term monitoring and possible complications.

What Does Under-the-Muscle Placement Mean?

Under-the-muscle (submuscular) placement means the breast implant is positioned beneath the pectoralis major muscle rather than directly behind the breast tissue.

This additional layer of tissue helps soften the upper portion of the implant and often creates a more gradual, natural-looking transition from the chest to the breast.

For many women—especially those with less natural breast tissue—this placement provides excellent implant coverage and long-lasting cosmetic results.

Benefits of Under-the-Muscle Implant Placement

Patients often choose Dr. Rieger because of his consistent surgical approach.

Potential benefits include:

Improved mammogram visualization
Better implant coverage
More natural upper breast contour
Reduced implant visibility
Less noticeable rippling
Excellent long-term aesthetic outcomes

While every surgical procedure has risks, careful patient selection and surgical planning help optimize results.

Does Implant Placement Affect Recovery?

Recovery after breast augmentation varies from patient to patient.

Because the chest muscle is involved during surgery, some women experience temporary muscle tightness during the first few weeks of recovery.

Most patients gradually become more comfortable as healing progresses and return to normal daily activities according to Dr. Rieger's postoperative instructions.

Learn what to expect week-by-week in our Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline.

Does Implant Placement Affect Mammograms?

Yes.

One reason Dr. Rieger prefers under-the-muscle implant placement is that it generally allows better visualization of breast tissue during mammography compared to implants placed above the muscle.

Women with breast implants should always inform their mammography technologist before imaging so specialized implant-displacement views can be performed when appropriate.

Routine breast cancer screening remains an important part of long-term breast health.

Will Implant Placement Affect How Long My Implants Last?

Implant placement itself does not determine how long an implant will last.

Modern breast implants are designed to be durable, but all implants should be monitored over time.

Replacement is generally recommended only if a complication develops or your cosmetic goals change.

Learn more about How Long Breast Implants Last and when replacement surgery may become necessary.

How Dr. Rieger Determines the Best Surgical Plan

Every consultation is personalized.

Dr. Rieger evaluates:

Chest width
Existing breast tissue
Skin quality
Breast symmetry
Overall anatomy
Cosmetic goals

Using this information, he develops a surgical plan designed to provide natural-looking, balanced, long-lasting results.

If you have breast sagging in addition to wanting more volume, he may also discuss whether combining implants with a breast lift would better achieve your goals.

Read our guide comparing Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation to learn when a lift, implants, or both may be recommended.

Frequently asked questions

Have more questions? Visit our complete Breast Augmentation FAQ.

Ready to Learn More About Breast Augmentation?

Choosing the right surgeon is just as important as choosing the right implants.

During your consultation, Dr. James Rieger will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, explain his surgical approach, and answer all of your questions about breast implant placement.

Schedule a Consultation

Continue Exploring..

Considering breast augmentation? These related guides can help answer some of the most common questions patients ask before surgery.

PLASTIC SURGERY

James A. Rieger MD