How Do Surgeons Determine Breast Implant Placement?

By: Dr. Matthew Hlavacek

8/24/2026

Choosing breast implants in Kansas City involves much more than selecting a size. One of the most important decisions during breast augmentation is breast implant placement, as it influences appearance, support, comfort, and long-term results. Rather than using the same approach for everyone, Dr. Matthew Hlavacek carefully evaluates your anatomy, lifestyle, and cosmetic goals to determine the most appropriate placement for your procedure. At Kansas City Surgical Arts, each treatment plan is thoughtfully designed to create balanced, natural-looking results that complement your body while helping you feel confident in your decision. 

How do plastic surgeons choose implant placement? 

Individuals bring unique goals and anatomy to the consultation, which is how plastic surgeons choose implant placement for breast augmentation. Each consultation begins with a thorough evaluation rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation. During cosmetic breast surgery planning, Dr. Hlavacek considers several factors that determine breast implant placement, including your desired breast size, implant dimensions, activity level, skin quality, and overall body proportions. 

He also reviews the breast implant placement options, helping you understand what affects implant placement in breast augmentation and why a customized surgical plan often produces the most natural outcome. 

What is the difference between under the muscle vs over the muscle breast implants? 

The primary distinction involves where the implant is positioned in relation to the chest muscle. With implant placement over muscle, also known as subglandular breast implants, the implant rests behind the breast tissue but above the pectoral muscle. This approach may be appropriate for individuals who already have enough natural tissue to provide coverage. 

Submuscular breast implants, on the other hand, are placed beneath the pectoral muscle, allowing the muscle to provide additional coverage and support. Both implant positioning techniques offer advantages, and the right choice depends on anatomy, cosmetic goals, and the type of implant being used rather than one method being universally better than the other. 

Does body type affect implant placement? 

Your natural anatomy plays an important role in determining which approach will produce the best long-term results. Chest anatomy and implant placement are closely connected because rib cage shape, muscle development, and body proportions all influence how implants will look and feel after surgery. Another important consideration is breast tissue thickness and implants, since existing tissue affects the amount of natural coverage over the implant. 

These details also contribute to implant support and stability, helping ensure the implants remain well-positioned over time. By carefully evaluating these anatomical factors, Dr. Hlavacek is able to recommend the approach most likely to create a natural-looking breast augmentation that complements your figure. 

Does implant placement affect recovery time? 

Breast implant placement can influence recovery time, although every person's healing experience is unique. Because the chest muscle is involved with submuscular breast implants, some individuals experience more tightness or soreness during the early stages of recovery compared with implant placement over muscle. Even so, implant position is only one part of the equation. Implant size, your overall health, and the surgical approach for breast implants all contribute to how quickly you recover and return to your normal routine. Dr. Hlavacek provides detailed recovery instructions and closely monitors your progress to help support a smooth healing process. 

Make an informed decision with expert guidance in Kansas City 

Choosing the right implant placement is an important part of achieving beautiful, long-lasting results. If you are considering breast augmentation in Kansas City, MO, schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Hlavacek at Kansas City Surgical Arts. He will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, explain your options, and recommend the implant placement that can best support a natural-looking outcome designed specifically for you.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.