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Breast Implant: Over the Muscle, Under the Muscle, and Dual Plane

Plastic surgery in Korea at NANA — Gangnam Seoul premium clinic, English staff.
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    NANA Plastic Surgery

    Understanding Breast Implant Placement: Over the Muscle, Under the Muscle, and Dual Plane Explained

    Implant size is only part of the plan. Where the implant sits shapes how natural the breasts look, feel, and age over time.

    Breast · Seoul, Korea

    Reviewed by the NANA Plastic Surgery surgical team, Seoul, Korea. Last updated September 30, 2026.

    Breast implant placement at NANA Plastic Surgery, Seoul.

    Hello everyone. This is NANA.

    When planning breast augmentation in Korea or anywhere else, implant size is not the only important decision. Implant placement plays a critical role in how natural the breasts look, feel, and age over time.

    Today, we would like to explain the Dual Plane placement method, and how it differs from the traditional Over the Muscle and Under the Muscle techniques. Before discussing Dual Plane, let us first look at the two basic placement options.

    Key Takeaways

    • Over the Muscle places the implant on top of the pectoralis muscle and suits patients with sufficient natural breast tissue.
    • Under the Muscle places the implant beneath the pectoralis muscle and is commonly recommended for patients with minimal breast tissue.
    • Dual Plane covers the upper implant with muscle and supports the lower implant with breast tissue, creating an internal lifting effect.
    • Dual Plane Plus, exclusive to NANA, adds fascia coverage to the lower implant and was designed with Asian body types in mind.
    • There is no single method for everyone. Tissue thickness, body structure, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals guide the choice.
    Placement Option 1

    What Is Over the Muscle Breast Implant Placement?

    Over the Muscle placement means the implant is positioned on top of the pectoralis muscle and beneath the breast tissue.
    Diagram of over the muscle breast implant placement above the pectoralis muscle
    Over the Muscle: implant on top of the pectoralis muscle.

    This method is generally recommended for patients who have sufficient natural breast tissue to cover and support the implant. It can also be a good option for patients with mild breast sagging, as the implant can help restore volume in the lower breast.

    • Recovery: because the pectoralis muscle is not manipulated, recovery tends to be quicker and postoperative discomfort is often reduced.
    • Consideration: if this method is used in patients with thin breast tissue, the implant may be more visible. Rippling or folding can occur, especially along the edges of the breast.
    Placement Option 2

    What Is Under the Muscle Breast Implant Placement?

    Under the Muscle placement positions the implant beneath the pectoralis muscle.
    Diagram of under the muscle breast implant placement beneath the pectoralis muscle
    Under the Muscle: implant beneath the pectoralis muscle.

    This technique is commonly recommended for patients with minimal breast tissue, as the muscle provides additional coverage and helps create a smoother and more natural contour.

    When Under the Muscle Is Not Ideal

    • Intense chest exercise: patients who frequently engage in intense chest muscle exercise may experience implant movement over time.
    • Sagging below the muscle line: it is less suitable for cases where breast sagging extends below the muscle line, as the muscle cannot adequately support the lower portion of the breast.
    Placement Option 3

    What Is Dual Plane Breast Implant Placement?

    Dual Plane placement combines the advantages of both Over and Under the Muscle techniques.
    Diagram of dual plane breast implant placement with muscle over the upper implant and breast tissue under the lower implant
    Dual Plane: muscle over the upper implant, breast tissue under the lower implant.

    With this method, the upper portion of the implant is covered by the pectoralis muscle, while the lower portion is supported by natural breast tissue. This creates an internal lifting effect and allows the implant to settle into a more natural position.

    By respecting the natural movement of the breast tissue, Dual Plane placement produces a softer slope in the upper breast and a more natural lower breast contour. For many patients, this results in a balanced and natural looking outcome. NANA builds on this concept with Dual Plane Plus.

    At a Glance

    Over the Muscle vs Under the Muscle vs Dual Plane: How Do They Compare?

    Comparison of over the muscle, under the muscle, and dual plane breast implant placement
    Method Implant position Generally suited to Points to know
    Over the Muscle On top of the pectoralis muscle, beneath the breast tissue Sufficient natural breast tissue; mild breast sagging Quicker recovery; implant may be more visible, with rippling or folding, in thin tissue
    Under the Muscle Beneath the pectoralis muscle Minimal breast tissue Less suitable for intense chest exercise or sagging below the muscle line
    Dual Plane Upper portion under the muscle, lower portion supported by breast tissue Combines the advantages of both techniques Internal lifting effect; softer upper slope and natural lower contour

    Not sure which placement suits your body? Send us your photos from the front, 45 degrees, and side, and our English-speaking team will review them with the doctors.

    Exclusive to NANA

    What Is Dual Plane Plus Breast Augmentation at NANA in Korea?

    Dual Plane Plus is an advanced technique developed by NANA's Chief Surgeon. It builds upon the original Dual Plane concept.

    Dual Plane Plus breast augmentation technique exclusive to NANA Plastic Surgery Korea
    Dual Plane Plus at NANA Plastic Surgery.

    Two Layers of Tissue

    The upper portion of the implant is placed under the pectoralis muscle, while the lower portion is covered by the fascia. The implant is supported by two layers of tissue, the sub fascia and the sub glandular layers.

    Natural Feel and Stability

    This additional coverage improves the natural feel of the breast and enhances long term stability.

    Designed for Asian Body Types

    Dual Plane Plus was specifically designed with Asian body types in mind, where thinner tissue coverage is more common.

    Published and Exclusive

    Exclusive to NANA Plastic Surgery and introduced in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, reflecting its medical significance and originality.

    Personalized Planning

    How Is the Right Implant Placement Chosen for Breast Augmentation?

    There is no single placement method that works for everyone. The ideal approach depends on breast tissue thickness, body structure, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
    Choosing the right breast implant placement method at NANA Plastic Surgery Seoul
    Placement is planned around each patient's body.
    • Breast tissue thickness
    • Body structure
    • Lifestyle
    • Aesthetic goals

    A proper surgical plan considers not only how the breasts will look immediately after surgery, but also how they will feel and maintain their shape over time. Careful evaluation and personalized planning are essential for achieving natural and long lasting results. See the placement comparison above for a side by side view.

     
    Real Patients

    Breast Augmentation Patient Reviews and Feedback

    Patient review after breast augmentation with personalized implant placement at NANA Plastic Surgery Seoul
    Patient Review

    "I had been thinking about breast augmentation for a long time before finally deciding to move forward. During the consultation, the surgeon carefully listened to my concerns and recommended the right implants and placement for my body, which immediately made me feel confident.

    As time passed, the implants settled very naturally. I was especially happy with how balanced my cleavage turned out, which had been my biggest concern. My silhouette looks completely different in clothes, and I actually enjoy looking in the mirror now.

    Recovery was faster than I expected, and I was able to return to my daily routine quickly. I feel comfortable even when exercising, and people around me often tell me how natural and well suited the results look. I only wish I had done it sooner."

    Patient review after breast augmentation with natural results at NANA Plastic Surgery Seoul
    Patient Review

    "I had been considering breast augmentation for a long time before finally deciding to move forward. During the consultation, the surgeon carefully listened to my concerns and recommended the right implants and surgical approach for my body, which immediately put me at ease.

    As time passed, the results settled very naturally. I was especially happy with how balanced my cleavage turned out, which had been my biggest concern. My silhouette looks noticeably better in clothes, and I actually enjoy looking in the mirror now.

    Recovery was quick, and I was able to return to my normal routine without any discomfort, even during exercise. People around me often say the results look natural and suit my body well, which has really boosted my confidence. I only wish I had done it sooner."

    Patient review after breast augmentation with Mentor Extra implants at NANA Plastic Surgery Seoul
    Patient Review

    "I had breast augmentation with Mentor Extra implants, and I am very satisfied with the results. The size, shape, and feel are natural, and my figure looks much more balanced, allowing me to wear a wider range of styles with confidence.

    I was especially impressed by the surgeon’s skill and the thorough aftercare. My recovery was closely monitored, and the structured aftercare program helped the implants settle beautifully without any issues.

    I am truly glad I chose NANA for my breast surgery and would confidently recommend it to others."

    Check more patient reviews here: Real Patient Reviews

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why does breast implant placement matter?
    Implant size is not the only important decision in breast augmentation. Implant placement plays a critical role in how natural the breasts look, feel, and age over time.
    What is Over the Muscle placement?
    Over the Muscle placement means the implant is positioned on top of the pectoralis muscle and beneath the breast tissue. It is generally recommended for patients who have sufficient natural breast tissue to cover and support the implant, and it can also suit patients with mild breast sagging.
    What are the drawbacks of Over the Muscle placement?
    If this method is used in patients with thin breast tissue, the implant may be more visible, and rippling or folding can occur, especially along the edges of the breast.
    What is Under the Muscle placement?
    Under the Muscle placement positions the implant beneath the pectoralis muscle. It is commonly recommended for patients with minimal breast tissue, as the muscle provides additional coverage and helps create a smoother and more natural contour.
    Who is Under the Muscle placement not ideal for?
    Patients who frequently engage in intense chest muscle exercise may experience implant movement over time. It is also less suitable where breast sagging extends below the muscle line, as the muscle cannot adequately support the lower portion of the breast.
    What is Dual Plane placement?
    Dual Plane placement combines the advantages of both Over and Under the Muscle techniques. The upper portion of the implant is covered by the pectoralis muscle, while the lower portion is supported by natural breast tissue, creating an internal lifting effect.
    What is Dual Plane Plus?
    Dual Plane Plus is an advanced technique developed by NANA's Chief Surgeon. The upper portion of the implant is placed under the pectoralis muscle, while the lower portion is covered by the fascia, so the implant is supported by two layers of tissue, the sub fascia and the sub glandular layers.
    Why was Dual Plane Plus designed for Asian body types?
    Thinner tissue coverage is more common in Asian body types. The additional coverage of Dual Plane Plus improves the natural feel of the breast and enhances long term stability.
    Is Dual Plane Plus available at other clinics?
    This technique is exclusive to NANA Plastic Surgery and has been introduced in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal.
    Which implant placement method is right for me?
    There is no single placement method that works for everyone. The ideal approach depends on breast tissue thickness, body structure, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals, and careful evaluation and personalized planning are essential.
    Does Over the Muscle placement have a quicker recovery?
    Because the pectoralis muscle is not manipulated with Over the Muscle placement, recovery tends to be quicker and postoperative discomfort is often reduced.
    Can Over the Muscle placement help with mild breast sagging?
    It can be a good option for patients with mild breast sagging, as the implant can help restore volume in the lower breast.
    How does Dual Plane placement change the shape of the breast?
    By respecting the natural movement of the breast tissue, Dual Plane placement produces a softer slope in the upper breast and a more natural lower breast contour.
    What should a breast augmentation surgical plan consider?
    A proper surgical plan considers not only how the breasts will look immediately after surgery, but also how they will feel and maintain their shape over time.

    If you are considering breast augmentation, a personalized consultation can help determine which implant placement is right for your body. Individual results vary.

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    Best regards,
    NANA

    Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All surgical procedures carry risks, and suitability can only be determined through a personal consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon at NANA Plastic Surgery. Individual results vary.

    Considering breast augmentation in Korea?
    Let our specialists review your photos.