Please note: Kliniek het Bolwerk does not carry out this treatment

Kliniek het Bolwerk does not offer dual plane breast augmentation. This breast augmentation technique is not performed at our clinic.

The information on this page is intended only for general knowledge and information. For assessment, advice or treatment, you can go to a specialised plastic surgeon or another healthcare facility that does offer this procedure.

What is dual plane breast augmentation?

Dual plane breast augmentation is an advanced breast augmentation technique designed to strike a balance between the benefits of placing the implant under the chest muscle (submuscular) and under the breast tissue (subglandular). In this procedure, the upper part of the implant is placed under the chest muscle, while the lower part of the implant lies under the breast tissue. This means the muscle covers the top of the implant, resulting in a gradual transition from the chest wall to the implant and a more natural breast profile.

How does dual plane breast augmentation work?

The procedure starts with an incision, usually in the fold under the breast (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar) or in the armpit (transaxillary). The surgeon then creates a pocket in which the implant is placed. In dual plane augmentation, the chest muscle is partly released from the chest wall, so that the upper part of the implant lies under the muscle, while the lower part stays under the breast tissue.

This technique makes it possible to combine the benefits of both placements: the muscle provides extra coverage and support for the implant, which is particularly useful in patients with little natural breast tissue, while the partial subglandular placement provides a more natural breast shape and movement.

What are the benefits of dual plane breast augmentation?

Dual plane augmentation offers several benefits:

More natural appearance: The combination of muscle and tissue coverage provides a more gradual transition and prevents the edges of the implant from being visible or palpable, which contributes to a more natural appearance.
Improved correction of ptosis (sagging breasts): The dual plane technique can correct a mild degree of breast sagging without the need for a separate breast lift, especially in women with slight sagging of the breast tissue.
Lower chance of capsular contracture: Because the implant lies partly under the muscle, there is a lower chance of capsular contracture, a complication in which scar tissue forms around the implant.
Better control over the shape and position of the implant: The surgeon can position the implant more precisely to correct asymmetry or to achieve a specific aesthetic goal.

Risks and considerations

Although dual plane breast augmentation offers many benefits, there are also some risks and considerations:

Longer recovery time: Because the implant is placed partly under the muscle, recovery may take a little longer and there may be more post-operative pain compared with fully subglandular placement.
Possible muscle-related complications: In some cases, the muscle coverage can cause the breast shape to distort when the chest muscle is tensed (animation effect), although this is usually minimal. It is also unclear to what extent the function of the large chest muscle is affected by the procedure and the implant. If this muscle is used a lot, this technique may be less suitable.
Scars: As with any breast augmentation procedure, scars remain, although these usually fade and are strategically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible.

Recovery after dual plane breast augmentation

Recovery after dual plane breast augmentation can take several weeks. During this period, it is important to avoid heavy exertion and to wear a supportive bra to stabilise the breasts. Swelling, bruising and discomfort are normal in the first weeks, but gradually decrease. Patients are advised to follow their plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely to support recovery and prevent complications.

The difference between dual plane augmentation and other breast augmentation techniques

In traditional subglandular placement, the implant is placed entirely under the breast tissue, which can lead to a more visible and palpable transition between the chest wall and the implant, especially in slim patients. Submuscular placement, in which the implant lies entirely under the muscle, provides more coverage, but can sometimes lead to less natural breast movement. Dual plane augmentation offers a compromise between these two methods, combining coverage with a more natural breast shape and movement.

Dual plane breast augmentation can be an excellent choice for women who want a natural-looking breast augmentation with the benefits of both muscle and tissue coverage. By choosing the right technique in consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, patients can achieve a result that meets their aesthetic and functional expectations.

See also our page about breast treatments or Breast augmentation.