Breast Implants Half Under the Muscle: What You Should Know
Recently, Kylie Jenner revealed that her breast implants were placed “half under the muscle,” prompting a spike in search interest and patient questions about this increasingly popular technique. Also known in the medical community as dual plane placement, it’s becoming one of the most requested approaches in both aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery.
Here’s what you should know if you’re considering breast implants half under the muscle — whether for cosmetic reasons or after breast cancer surgery.
What Are Breast Implants Half Under the Muscle?
This technique involves placing the top portion of the implant beneath the pectoralis major muscle, while the lower portion sits directly under the breast tissue. It’s a hybrid of two traditional methods:
Subglandular placement (over the muscle)
Submuscular placement (under the muscle)
By combining the benefits of both, it offers more natural movement and appearance, especially in the lower portion of the breast.
Why Many Surgeons Prefer Dual Plane Placement
A more natural look
The muscle provides coverage over the upper implant, reducing visible rippling or implant edges. Meanwhile, the lower part of the implant settles naturally into the breast fold, creating a smooth slope with natural-looking fullness.
Improved imaging and safety
Placing part of the implant under the muscle can improve mammogram accuracy and lower the risk of capsular contracture — a complication involving hardening around the implant.
Better for thinner tissue
In patients with minimal natural breast tissue — such as those undergoing mastectomy or revision surgeries — dual plane placement adds protection and softens implant contours.
Who Is a Candidate?
Breast implants half under the muscle may be ideal for:
Patients with less existing breast tissue especially in the upper part of the breast
Individuals wanting a balance of upper coverage and natural fullness
Revision patients correcting visible rippling or prior placement concerns
What Recovery Is Like
Because the chest muscle is partially lifted, you may feel tightness or soreness in the upper chest during the first two weeks. Most patients return to light activity within 1–2 weeks and resume more movement by 4–6 weeks, depending on the procedure and implant type.
We create a customized recovery plan for every patient, especially when additional procedures like nerve grafting or reconstruction are involved.
What to Expect
Many patients who receive breast implants half under the muscle say their results feel soft, move naturally, and look indistinguishable from natural breast tissue. In our practice, this technique often plays a key role in both cosmetic enhancement and restoring confidence after breast cancer.
If you’re considering breast implants half under the muscle, we’re here to help you understand your options, what to expect, and how to make an informed decision.