Understanding the anatomy of the chest wall is important especially when being evaluated for a breast augmentation. The rib cage is the foundation upon which the breast implants rest. Obviously the breast’s anatomic position is on the chest. The breast is positioned over the chest wall muscles. These muscles are called the pectoralis, seratus and intercostals muscles. They are essentially in this order from outer most muscle to inner most muscle. These chest muscles support the motion of the arms and ribs and give them stability too. The ribs connect to the spine in the back and the breast bone or sternum in the front. The ribs have a curvature that influences how and where a breast implant will come to settle. The spine also has a curvature that plays a role in the position of the shoulders and ribs. If the spine or ribs have an irregular curve, the breasts and breast implants may have different positions and look differently. The same applies if the breast bone or sternum has an irregular curve, or width.
These curves are very important in general as well as for a woman considering breast implants. They can play a significant role in how a woman will look after breast implants have been placed. The chest wall influences the position of breast implants and can magnify natural asymmetries that a woman has and may not have noticed before her breast implants have been placed.
Rate this Article
Disclaimer
This web site has been designed and created to assist in providing information about breast implants, and breast enhancement surgeries including breast augmentation. It is not meant to replace an informed consent document, or a visit with your plastic surgeon. This web site is for informational purposes only and not intended to provide medical advice.
