If you’ve been researching breast augmentation in Manchester, you’ve probably come across the term dual plane. It’s one of the most commonly recommended implant placement techniques because it blends the benefits of “over the muscle” (subglandular) and “under the muscle” (submuscular) positioning. In simple terms, dual plane means the upper part of the implant sits under the chest muscle while the lower part sits under the breast tissue. This can deliver a softer, more natural upper-pole slope with better lower-pole shaping—particularly useful if you have mild sagging or a slightly deflated breast after pregnancy or weight change.
Dual Plane in a Nutshell
Placement: The upper half of the implant is beneath the pectoralis major muscle; the lower half is beneath your breast tissue.
Why it’s done: To combine the camouflage and softness of submuscular placement with the shape and lower-pole expansion of subglandular placement.
Who benefits: Patients with small to moderate breast volume, mild breast ptosis (droop), postpartum deflation, or very thin upper-pole tissue who want a natural look and feel.
The technique was popularised in aesthetic surgery literature by John B. Tebbetts, who described Dual Plane Types I, II and III—each tailored to how tight or droopy the lower breast is and where the breast tissue sits relative to the inframammary fold. This classification helps your surgeon choose where to release the tissue so the implant and breast move together naturally.
Dual Plane Types (I, II, III) Explained
Think of the dual plane “types” as degrees of release to help the implant settle well:
Type I: Minimal release. Best when the breast is fairly perky (tight lower pole). It keeps strong muscle coverage over the upper implant and offers a gentle upper-pole slope.
Type II: Moderate release. Useful if there’s mild tissue laxity or early droop—it lets the implant fill the lower pole more, improving shape while maintaining upper-pole softness.
Type III: More extensive release. Chosen for glandular ptosis (when the breast tissue sits a bit low over the fold). It helps the implant and breast sit together for a natural result.
Dual Plane vs Submuscular vs Subglandular
Subglandular (over the muscle) can give more dramatic upper-pole fullness in some patients but can show edges/ripples in thinner women and may have different contracture dynamics depending on implant and technique. Submuscular (under the muscle) provides more camouflage and a softer upper pole but can cause animation deformity—movement or distortion of the breast when you flex your chest. Dual plane aims to split the difference: natural upper-pole coverage with improved shaping below.
Animation deformity is the visible movement of an implant when the pectoral muscle contracts—well documented after subpectoral placement. Dual plane reduces how much of the implant sits under active muscle, and your surgeon can further refine the pocket to minimise animation risk.
Evidence snapshot (for the medically curious):
Subpectoral coverage often reduces visible rippling in the upper pole compared with subglandular.
Animation deformity is principally a subpectoral phenomenon; grading systems and management strategies continue to evolve.
Modern approaches (including modifications and “reverse dual plane” concepts) continue to trade off softness, stability, pain, and animation.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
Dual plane may be recommended if you:
Want a natural look with gentle upper-pole slope.
Have thin upper-pole tissue and want better implant camouflage.
Show mild ptosis (nipples at or slightly below the fold) or post-pregnancy deflation, where the lower breast needs more implant–tissue integration.
During consultation in Manchester or Cheshire with Mr Nassab, a thorough exam and sizing session will determine whether dual plane or another approach (subglandular, submuscular, or subfascial) best matches your goals.
Implant Choice Still Matters
Plane is only one piece. Your result also depends on:
Fill & shell: Most UK augmentations use silicone gel.
Shape: Round for fullness; anatomical or tear drop for a subtler contour
Profile: Low to extra-high—changing how far the breast projects.
Surface: Smooth vs textured
Volume: Chosen by measurements, tissue dynamics, and your preference.
- Brand: Mentor or Motiva are the commonly used brands we offer.
These choices are personalised at your consultation so the implant and your tissues work together—especially critical in dual plane, where implant–soft tissue harmony is the whole point.
Did Kylie Jenner Have Dual Plane?
Kylie Jenner has publicly stated on a social post in 2025 that she had “dual plane” with moderate-profile silicone implants. Treat these reports as commentary rather than a confirmed operative note, but they have helped to raise public awareness of the technique. We always say that this may not be suitable for everyone.
Benefits of Dual Plane
Natural upper-pole: Muscle coverage softens the top of the breast, reducing edge visibility in slim patients.
Better lower-pole shaping: Strategic release lets the implant fill out a mildly droopy or deflated lower breast without a full lift in selected cases.
Reduced rippling visibility (upper pole) compared with purely subglandular in thin patients.
Possible Drawbacks and Risks
Animation artefact can still occur (any pocket under active pectoralis can show some movement).
Initial tightness/discomfort in the chest is common with any submuscular component.
Not a substitute for a breast lift if there is moderate–severe ptosis—in those cases, dual plane may be combined with mastopexy for nipple/skin repositioning.
- Waterfall deformity is when with time the breast tissue can sag over the implant giving loose tissue in the lower pole.
Recovery: What to Expect
Most patients describe a week of taking things gently, with desk work often possible after several days if you feel comfortable.
Week 1–2: Swelling, tightness, and upper-pole fullness that gradually settles.
Weeks 4–6: Light exercise increases; avoid heavy chest workouts until cleared.
3–6 months: Final shape continues to refine as the implant settles and the lower pole expands.
We provide a structured post-op pathway at CLNQ (Deansgate Square, Manchester) or Knutsford, Cheshire. You’ll receive garment guidance, scar care advice, and a personalised plan for returning to the gym and sports.
Risks and How We Mitigate Them
All surgery carries risks. For augmentation, these include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, changes in nipple sensitivity, capsular contracture, implant malposition, rippling, and the need for revision. Your consultation will cover implant safety, current guidance, and how choice of technique and aftercare can influence outcomes.
Capsular contracture: Multiple factors influence contracture; plane choice, implant type, pocket control, and meticulous technique are important. Evidence varies across eras and implant generations; your surgeon will discuss contemporary data and approaches to minimise risk.
Animation deformity: A known issue where any subpectoral component exists; dual plane seeks a balance between soft tissue coverage and reduced animation.
Mammograms, Breastfeeding, and Sensation
Mammography: All implant placements require adjusted imaging views; always tell radiographers you have implants.
Breastfeeding: Most patients can breastfeed after augmentation, though it cannot be guaranteed.
Sensation: Temporary changes are common; permanent changes are less common but possible with any technique.
Why Patients in Manchester Choose Mr Reza Nassab for Dual Plane
Choosing the right surgeon in Manchester matters more than choosing a buzzword technique. Mr Reza Nassab MBChB, MSc, MBA, FRCS (Plast) is a UK consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register, with extensive breast augmentation experience, operating at Deansgate Hospital, Manchester, and consulting at CLNQ in Manchester and Cheshire. Patients value his bespoke planning, transparent discussion of trade-offs, and gallery of natural results.
Your Dual Plane Consultation Pathway (Manchester & Cheshire)
In-depth assessment: Measurements, tissue quality, skin elasticity, nipple position, and chest wall shape.
Sizing & simulation: To understand volumes, profiles, and likely shape changes.
Technique discussion: Dual plane vs subglandular vs submuscular, with photos to illustrate outcomes and explain risks.
Operation day at Deansgate Hospital: Boutique, patient-centred care with consultant-led anaesthesia and nursing teams.
Follow-up plan: Structured reviews to monitor healing and support your return to daily life and sport.
FAQs: Dual Plane Breast Augmentation
Is dual plane always better?
No single plane is “best” for everyone. Dual plane is versatile and suits many anatomies, but your goals and tissue measurements decide the right approach—not trends.
Will dual plane look natural?
Often, yes—particularly in slim patients who need upper-pole softening plus improved lower-pole shape. Implant choice and precise surgical execution are equally important.
Can dual plane fix mild droop without a lift?
Sometimes. Dual plane Types II–III can help lower-pole expansion and soft-tissue redraping for mild ptosis. Moderate–severe ptosis usually needs a lift.
What about animation deformity if part of the implant is still under muscle?
A small degree of movement can still occur, but the pocket design can limit it. If you are a bodybuilder or frequently contract pectorals forcefully, discuss whether a different plane is better for you.
Is dual plane more painful to recover from?
Any submuscular component can feel tighter initially than purely over-the-muscle placement. Most patients manage well with standard pain protocols and recover quickly.
Will I need to replace implants?
Implants are not lifetime devices. Many people enjoy long-lasting results; others may need revision for reasons such as preference changes, pregnancy, weight fluctuation, or implant-related issues over time.
Does Kylie Jenner prove dual plane looks more natural?
Kylie has confirmed an augmentation with dual plane technique. Dual plane has been widely discussed in relation to her results by surgeons and on social media, but it’s not a substitute for personalised planning. Use celebrity examples only as broad inspiration.
What scars will I have?
Most augmentations in the UK use an inframammary fold (IMF) incision (a short scar hidden in the crease). Other entries (periareolar, transaxillary) exist but are less commonly chosen for modern dual plane work in the UK.
Can dual plane reduce rippling?
By adding upper-pole muscle cover, dual plane can reduce upper-pole rippling/edge visibility compared with subglandular placement in thin patients. Implant fill and shell, and your tissue thickness, also matter. Rippling may still occur with under the muscle or dual plane augmentation.
Why Local Matters: Breast Augmentation in Manchester
Having surgery close to home makes aftercare and review appointments more convenient. At Deansgate Hospital in central Manchester and CLNQ in Manchester/Cheshire, you’ll find:
Consultant-only operating and a boutique setting.
Flexible follow-up with easy access for dressing checks, reassurance, and recovery support.
A team used to caring for busy professionals, athletes, and new mums who want discreet, natural results.
If you’re searching “dual plane breast augmentation Manchester” or “breast augmentation Manchester”, book a consultation with Mr Reza Nassab for a tailored plan based on your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
Book your consultation now
For dual plane breast augmentation in Manchester, arrange a consultation with Mr Reza Nassab at Deansgate Hospital or CLNQ. You’ll receive honest advice, thoughtful implant selection, and a plan that respects both aesthetics and long-term breast health.
References
Tebbetts JB. Dual plane breast augmentation: optimizing implant-soft-tissue relationships in a wide range of breast types. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006 Dec;118(7 Suppl):81S-98S; discussion 99S-102S. doi: 10.1097/00006534-200612001-00012. PMID: 17099485.
