Why Preservation Breast Augmentation is Trending
Preservation breast augmentation (subfascial augmentation) refers to placing the breast implant under the thin tissue that covers the chest muscle, but not beneath the muscle itself (submuscular augmentation).
Double-board certified Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor has performed subfascial augmentations for over 15 years and explains why the technique is appealing to more women.
Why It’s Trending Again
While preservation breast augmentation is not a new technique, innovative breast implant designs and active lifestyles have made subfascial placements the preferred breast augmentation method.
1. Next-Generation Implant Design
Motiva® implants are the latest advancement in breast implant technology and have brought renewed attention to this well-established technique. Their micro-textured implants are designed with softer silicone gel and an advanced micro-textured outer shell that reduces visible rippling. This means the implant can be placed above the muscle without sacrificing a natural appearance. Motiva® implants maintain a natural teardrop-like contour that mimics the shape of natural breast tissue and drapes more convincingly over the chest wall.
During the period when silicone implants were temporarily off the market, saline implants were less optimal in the subfascial position due to visible rippling. While dual-chamber saline implants like the Ideal Implant helped overcome some of these challenges and performed well in the subfascial position, their higher cost limited widespread usage. Today’s advanced silicone implant options, including Motiva, have expanded the possibilities for subfascial placement.
2. Reduced Animation Deformity
For some patients, placing implants beneath the pectoralis major muscle can cause the implant to visibly shift or flatten with the muscle’s natural movement. This distortion is known as animation deformity, and it can make the breast shape appear unnatural or “animated” during activity. Subfascial placement allows the implant to sit on top of the muscle, so the breast contour is not affected by muscle contractions and remains natural-looking throughout everyday activities.
3. Faster, More Comfortable Recovery
Patients typically experience less pain, swelling, and tightness after surgery compared to submuscular placement because the pectoral muscle remains largely undisturbed during a subfascial breast augmentation. There’s no need to cut through or lift the muscle, which both reduces trauma to the chest wall and also preserves muscle strength. The minimal dissection required for subfascial placement can also help maintain innervation to the nipple and maximize the breast’s native internal support. While every recovery is unique, this preservation breast augmentation is often associated with a smoother and more comfortable post-operative experience overall.
Related: “Mini Breast Aug”: What It Is + Why Everyone’s Talking About It
4. Enhanced Medial Cleavage
One of the key advantages of subfascial placement is improved medial cleavage. When implants are placed beneath the pectoralis muscle, the muscle along the medial border of the implant pocket can limit cleavage performance. Subfascial placement allows for more natural-looking cleavage without this muscular restriction.
“With Dr. Claytor, I was in the hands of an incredibly gifted plastic surgeon. He combines the mastery of his art with remarkable care and kindness. His entire team is also exceptional. The facility is accredited and accommodating. It is held to the highest standards of quality, safety and care. My results were beyond what I could have imagined. Dr. Claytor is an ultimate professional with a personal rapport. He delivers beauty, happiness, and confidence. He is there every step of the way. I am grateful to have selected him for my journey. Picking a plastic surgeon is a very personal experience. Dr. Claytor will be honest and straightforward on guidance for the best approach for you. He is someone you can trust. I believe he is the “best of the best”.”
Dr. Claytor’s Approach to Natural-Looking Breast Augmentation
Dr. Claytor emphasizes that elegant results never rely on the implant brand alone. Achieving your ideal breast augmentation result requires a combination of personalized implant choices and matching the right technique to your unique anatomy. Dr. Claytor has over 20 years of surgical experience performing breast augmentation in Philadelphia and skillfully evaluates factors such as:
- Your natural breast volume and tissue quality
- Skin thickness and elasticity
- Chest wall anatomy and muscle tone
- Lifestyle (especially if you’re athletic or highly active)
- Aesthetic goals (subtle vs. more dramatic enhancement)
From there, he creates a customized surgical plan. While Motiva implants may be an excellent option for many patients who desire preservation breast augmentation, Dr. Claytor may discuss other implant types and placements to best support your results long term. He offers a comprehensive range of implant options from trusted brands including Allergan (Natrelle) and Mentor, ensuring you have access to the most appropriate choice for your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Beyond implant selection, Dr. Claytor also specializes in various placement techniques, including the biplanar (or dual-plane) technique, the biplanar (or dual-plane) technique, which preserves the pectoralis muscle on the upper part of the breast while releasing it from the lower portion. This approach allows for natural upper pole coverage while achieving a well-rounded, fuller lower breast contour.
Is Preservation Augmentation Right for You?
During your consultation, Dr. Claytor discusses the advantages and considerations of subfascial placement versus other options (like submuscular or dual-plane) so you are fully informed about the differences. You and Dr. Claytor will decide on the most appropriate technique to meet your unique needs.
Preservation breast augmentation is an ideal choice for patients who:
- Want to avoid muscle disruption during breast surgery
- Have thinner chest walls but sufficient breast tissue to support implant coverage
- Are active or athletic and want to reduce the chance of animation deformity
- Desire a faster, more comfortable recovery period
- Seek enhanced medial cleavage
- Want to maintain optimal nipple sensation
Related: Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift: What Each Can Do for You
Advanced Techniques: Local Anesthesia and Implant Exchange
Dr. Claytor has been performing subfascial breast augmentation under local anesthesia for over seven years, providing patients with increased flexibility and comfort. This advanced approach is performed in our accredited surgical facility to provide the highest standards of safety and care.
For patients who already have submuscular or dual-plane implants and desire an implant exchange—whether due to rupture, malposition, or simply wanting to upgrade—the procedure can be performed with minimal discomfort under local anesthesia. Patients can even convert from submuscular to subfascial placement during an exchange procedure.
Dr. Claytor also accommodates the growing trend toward smaller, more natural-looking implants (sometimes called “yoga boobs” or “ballerina breast augmentations”), which can be combined with a simultaneous breast lift. Because the implant pocket is already formed in exchange cases, these adjustments can often be performed under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort.
Preservation Breast Augmentation in Philadelphia
Dr. Claytor’s expertise in both advanced surgical technique and aesthetic precision means you’ll receive results that look beautiful, whether you choose preservation breast augmentation or decide on a different approach.
Call our award-winning Philadelphia plastic surgery center at 610‑527‑4833 to schedule your personalized breast augmentation consultation. Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery proudly serves Bryn Mawr, the Main Line, and the surrounding Philadelphia areas.