Breast augmentation is in the news again, as Kylie Jenner made headlines when she revealed that her implants were “half under the muscle.” Naturally, people on the internet wanted to find out what this means and if this placement will help them achieve a Kardashian-Jenner body.
The “half under the muscle” implant placement refers to dual-plane placement, an innovative technique that places the top half of the implant beneath the pectoralis muscle, while the lower half is left uncovered. This technique combines the benefits of both over-the-muscle and under-the-muscle placement to achieve exceptional, more natural-looking results.
At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we have helped thousands of patients enhance their figure through various procedures, including the many different breast augmentation methods. Each of our surgeons has a national reputation for providing consistent, stunning results and takes the time to truly understand each patient and their aesthetic goals.
To schedule a personal consultation and learn more about whether the dual-plane breast augmentation is right for you, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our staff or schedule a consultation over the phone, please call the office closest to you:
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About Dual-Plane Placement
The “half under the muscle” implant placement, also known as dual-plane placement, is an innovative implant placement technique used in breast augmentation. This approach recently gained attention in the media when Kylie Jenner revealed that her breast augmentation utilized this placement. Traditionally, breast implants are either placed submuscularly, subfascially, or subglandularly, which means they are either placed below or above the pectoralis muscle. (1) The innovative dual-plane technique allows patients to reap the benefits of both options, as the upper portion of the breast implant is covered by their natural muscle while the lower portion is left uncovered, contributing to enhanced volume and projection. This results in a smooth, natural-looking transition between the slope of the breasts and the surrounding features.
Benefits
The dual-plane placement can yield several significant advantages, including:
- Natural-Looking Appearance: The dual-plane technique helps maintain the breast’s natural slope, avoiding overly rounded or artificial results.
- Reduced Risk of Capsular Contracture: By placing part of the implant beneath the muscle, there is a lowered risk of capsular contracture, or the hardening of scar tissue surrounding the implant.
- Less Rippling: Placing the implants partially underneath the muscle decreases the chances of visibility and rippling, especially for patients who have thinner or minimal breast tissue.
- Enhanced Projection: The dual-plane technique allows for enhanced projection and fullness in the breasts, restoring a more youthful-looking silhouette.
To learn more about how you can reap these benefits and others, please schedule a personal consultation.
Why Should I Go Half Under the Muscle?
Surgeons recommend specific implant placements because we want to create the most natural-looking results possible while achieving the desired breast volume. Utilizing dual-plane placement may help provide better implant coverage in the upper chest, reduce visible rippling, and create a gentler upper pole slope in certain patients to deliver results that harmonize with a patient’s anatomical frame.
Silicone-based implants, such as Motiva implants and cohesive “gummy bear” implants, have made flexible implant placement more possible. However, this was not always the case. Saline-based breast implants used to be much more common, but are noticeably firmer compared to silicone implants, which led to the under-the-muscle placement being much more standard for hiding visible rippling or placement. With the development of these newer, more cohesive implants, patients have much more flexibility in choosing their placement based on their goals and anatomy.
Is Dual-Plane Placement Right for Me?
Many patients see the plastic surgery that celebrities have undergone and assume their procedure will allow them to look the same way. Unfortunately, plastic surgery, and breast augmentation specifically, yield unique results that are tailored to each patient. This means there is no one-size-fits-all technique for our procedures, nor is there a standard result, and what may work for Kylie Jenner may not work for each patient.
For patients with less natural breast tissue, dual-plane or under-the-muscle placement often provides better coverage and a more natural look by minimizing visible implant edges and rippling. For others, more muscle coverage provides better benefits and more desirable results. Your surgeon will help you determine the best size and placement for your implants.
Advancements in cosmetic technology, such as the introduction of Motiva implants, gummy bear implants, and internal bra support materials, have given our team the ability to further personalize each breast augmentation procedure. Ultimately, the best results come from a board-certified plastic surgeon, whether you are specifically seeking dual-plane placement or a more traditional procedure.
Preparation
Each patient will receive a set of preparation instructions during their personal consultation to help them prepare their body for their procedure. These instructions will vary between patients depending on details of their treatment plan, but each instruction should be followed, as preparation is essential for a smooth recovery.
Patients may be instructed to avoid or adjust their use of blood-thinning medications and supplements leading up to their procedure. The use of nicotine should be ceased several weeks in advance, and alcohol should also be avoided. Additionally, patients should take time away from work and other commitments, as well as arrange transportation home from their procedure.
Procedure
Breast augmentation begins with the administration of anesthesia to keep you comfortable and relaxed. An incision is then made in a predetermined place. These placements may consist of:
- Nipple Incision/Periareolar: This incision is made around the lower border of the nipple-areolar complex. This placement is ideal for patients with significant concerns about scarring, as scar tissue naturally blends with the pigmentation of the areola.
- Beneath the Breast Incision/Inframammary Crease: This incision is made along the crease beneath the breasts. This incision placement is also well-known for its ability to hide scarring, even when patients are wearing more revealing clothing such as swimwear.
- Armpit Incision/ Transaxillary: The armpit incision utilizes an endoscope, or small tube with a camera, to help increase the surgeon’s visibility during placement. This technique hides any scarring beneath the arms, avoiding any incisions being made on the breasts themselves.
Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will create a pocket for the implant placement. Traditionally, this is either done above or below the pectoralis muscle. However, when performing the dual-plane technique, the surgeon will lift the bottom of the pectoralis muscle from the chest wall before partially detaching it. This allows the upper portion of the implant to lie beneath the muscle, while the lower portion remains uncovered. After making a pocket, your surgeon will place the implant and close the incision with sutures. (2)
Recovery and Results
Following their procedure, each patient will be released home to continue resting; however, patients will return to the office one or two days later for a follow-up appointment to check their recovery progress. During this time, it is normal to experience temporary swelling, discomfort, or bruising, but these effects may be managed using pain medications. Many individuals find that they can return to work within a week or two, but physical or high-intensity activities should be avoided for several more weeks, or as directed by their surgeon.
Immediate improvements may be seen after the procedure, but the full results of breast augmentation will become more noticeable as any residual swelling dissipates. Patients will be able to experience natural-looking enhancements as the fullness and symmetry of their breasts are improved. Many women also report an improvement in their self-esteem and confidence alongside their new breasts. The results of breast augmentation are long-lasting, with many patients enjoying their implants for up to a decade before replacement is recommended.
Cost of Half Under the Muscle Breast Augmentation in Austin
The cost of each patient’s augmentation can vary depending on certain factors, such as the type of implants being placed and the surgical strategies employed. Your surgeon will discuss the pricing of your breast augmentation during your personal consultation.
To learn more about the cost of your dual-plane breast augmentation, please contact us online. To schedule a consultation over the phone, please reach out to the office closest to you:
FAQ
What is dual-plane breast augmentation?
Dual-plane breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that involves placing a breast implant partially under the pectoralis muscle and partially over it. This method combines the benefits of both placement options and offers natural-looking results.
How long will recovery take after my breast augmentation?
Most patients can return to light activities within one or two weeks, although full recovery may take several weeks.
Will there be visible scarring after my procedure?
Our surgeons ensure that incisions are placed as discreetly as possible to minimize scarring. Any scarring will fade significantly over time as you continue to heal.
How will I choose the right size breast implant?
Your surgeon will help you select the most appropriate implant size during your consultation, taking your preferences and overall body frame into consideration.
Can I combine my dual-plane breast augmentation with other procedures?
Yes, many patients choose to combine their breast augmentation with other procedures, such as liposuction or tummy tucks. We recommend scheduling a personal consultation for more information on combination possibilities.
References
- Shi H, Cao C, Li X, Chen L, Li S. A retrospective study of primary breast augmentation: recovery period, complications, and patient satisfaction. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 2015;8(10):18737. Accessed June 4, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4694389/
- Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/