Dual Plane Breast Augmentation Bellevue & Kirkland
Procedure Time
2-3 hours
Recovery Time
3-5 days
Dual Plane Breast Augmentation Bellevue & Kirkland
Many women seeking breast augmentation in Bellevue and Kirkland struggle with achieving natural-looking results that complement their unique anatomy. Traditional placement techniques often fall short, leaving patients with breasts that appear too round, sit too high, or lack the natural slope they desire. The dual plane breast augmentation technique addresses these concerns by combining the benefits of both submuscular and subglandular placement, creating results that look and feel remarkably natural while minimizing common complications.
What Is Dual Plane Breast Augmentation?
Dual plane breast augmentation represents one of three main breast implant placement options: subglandular, submuscular, and dual plane. This advanced surgical technique involves partially releasing the pectoralis major muscle from its lower attachments, allowing the implant to sit partially under the muscle in the upper portion. In contrast, the lower portion sits directly behind the breast tissue.
This strategic placement creates a smooth transition and natural breast contour that moves harmoniously with your body.
The dual plane technique offers distinct advantages over traditional placement methods. Dual plane placement provides many of the benefits of both subglandular and submuscular placement.
It reduces the chances of complications and can lead to a more natural appearance. Many patients choose a dual plane placement because it can offer a lift to patients with mild breast ptosis.
Dual Plane vs. Other Placement Options
Subglandular Placement
Submuscular Placement
The Dual Plane Technique Explained
During dual plane breast augmentation, your surgeon creates a pocket that spans two anatomical planes. The procedure involves:
- Initial Pocket Creation: The surgeon creates access through your chosen incision location
- Muscle Release: Selective release of the pectoralis major muscle’s lower attachments
- Precise Positioning: Careful implant placement to achieve optimal coverage and projection
- Fine-Tuning: Adjustment of muscle coverage based on your anatomy and desired results
This meticulous approach ensures each patient receives customized results that complement their natural anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Advantages of Dual Plane Breast Augmentation
Natural-Looking Results
Reduced Risk of Complications
Ideal for Mild Ptosis
Improved Cleavage
Who is a Good Candidate?
- Women with mild to moderate breast ptosis (sagging): The dual plane technique is especially beneficial for women whose breasts have started to droop due to aging, weight changes, or breastfeeding. By partially lifting and augmenting in one procedure, many patients can avoid a separate breast lift.
- Patients with thin breast tissue or minimal natural volume: Women with a slender frame or naturally small breasts often achieve more natural and balanced results with dual plane placement, since it provides added coverage in the upper pole while allowing the implant to project naturally in the lower breast.
- Mothers and women after significant weight loss: Changes from pregnancy, nursing, or weight fluctuations can leave breasts with reduced fullness and stretched tissue. The dual plane method restores youthful shape and volume without creating an unnatural look.
- Patients with breast asymmetry or unique anatomy: Women with tuberous breasts, a constricted breast base, or uneven breast shape benefit from the versatility of this approach. Dual plane augmentation allows surgeons to address these concerns while creating symmetry and softness.
- Women seeking long-lasting, natural-looking results: Patients who want an enhanced breast contour that complements their body type often find this method produces results that look and feel more natural than traditional placement techniques.
- Those in good overall health: Like all surgical candidates, women should be in stable health, free from serious medical conditions that increase surgical risks, and cleared to undergo anesthesia in accredited Bellevue and Kirkland surgical centers.
- Women considering future pregnancies: Patients planning to have children should discuss timing with their surgeon, since pregnancy can impact long-term results. Many choose to delay augmentation until after they’ve completed their family.
Implant choices that pair well with dual plane
Both saline and silicone gel implants are used with the dual plane technique. The practice offers detailed counseling on each fill material:
- Silicone gel implants are often selected when a natural feel is a priority.
- Saline implants can provide dramatic size changes, allow smaller incisions, and, if a rupture happens, deflation is usually apparent quickly, with saline being safely absorbed by the body.
The Surgery Experience
Your dual plane breast augmentation procedure takes place at our Medicare-certified surgical facility in Kirkland. The surgery typically requires 60-90 minutes under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will:
- Make your chosen incision (inframammary, periareolar, or transaxillary)
- Create the dual plane pocket with precise muscle release
- Place temporary sizers to confirm optimal positioning
- Insert your selected breast implants
- Ensure symmetry and natural positioning
- Close incisions with meticulous technique
Most patients return home the same day with detailed recovery instructions and prescribed medications for comfort.
Recovery And Care After Dual Plane Placement
Recovery after augmentation is typically predictable and tolerable. The practice outlines the following recovery guidance, which also applies to dual plane placement:
- The chest can feel tight for the first one to two weeks.
- Major bruising and swelling usually subside within one week.
- Residual swelling, redness, numbness, or increased sensitivity may continue for several weeks.
- Return to work often occurs in one to two weeks, depending on job demands.
- Light exercise may begin at about two weeks, with more strenuous lifting or intense cardio usually delayed six to eight weeks.
These recommendations reflect the practice’s recovery and care section and provide a clear timeline for planning.
Home care measures commonly used after augmentation at the practice include: a surgical bra, elevated sleeping initially, back sleeping, massage when instructed, ultrasound lymphatic massage when advised, and early scar care after provider approval. Patients are encouraged to allow healing to mature fully before judging final results, often nine to twelve months.
Before and After Expectations
To help patients in Bellevue and Kirkland understand what to expect from dual plane breast augmentation, it’s better to see before and after transformations. Initially, breasts will appear high and swollen, with the upper part looking fuller than the final outcome. This “high-riding” effect will diminish as muscles relax and implants settle into place.
The visible results of a breast reduction will be immediate. However, it may take 6 months or longer for nipple sensitivity to return. The settling process, often called “drop and fluff,” occurs gradually over several months. During this time, implants descend into their intended position while breast tissue softens and adapts to the new volume. Eastside patients notice progressive improvement in breast shape and feel during this period.
Final results from dual plane breast augmentation before and after cases show natural breast contours with appropriate upper pole fullness and lower pole projection. The breasts move naturally with body position changes and feel soft to touch. Scarring fades significantly within the first year, becoming barely visible for most Seattle-area patients.
Case 01
Case 02
Case 03
Cost of Dual Plane Breast Augmentation in Bellevue & Kirkland
The cost of dual plane breast augmentation in Bellevue and Kirkland depends on the surgeon’s expertise, implant selection, and associated facility fees. Since this advanced technique involves additional surgical precision and operating time, costs may vary compared to traditional placement methods.
At NW Face & Body, breast augmentation procedures start at $4,995. This price does not include prescription medication or medical clearance. When considering cost, patients are encouraged to weigh the long-term value of achieving natural results and lowering the likelihood of revision surgery. At NW Face & Body, procedures are performed by experienced surgeon Dr. Tarak Patel & his team, who combine surgical expertise with advanced planning to create balanced, lasting outcomes.
Why Choose Northwest Face & Body
Northwest Face & Body has served the Bellevue and Kirkland areas since 1983. Providing the gold standard in surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, our Bellevue and Kirkland plastic surgeons are breast surgery experts. With decades of combined experience and hundreds of surgeries performed every year, we offer the best breast augmentation Bellevue provides.
Our commitment to excellence includes:
- Board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in breast surgery
- Advanced Vectra 3D imaging technology
- Medicare-certified surgical facility
- Comprehensive patient education and support
- Personalized treatment planning
- Natural-looking, long-lasting results
Take the Next Step Toward Your Goals
Considering dual plane breast augmentation in Bellevue or Kirkland? Northwest Face & Body provides individualized planning, advanced 3D imaging, and proven results tailored to each patient’s needs. Schedule a private consultation to review candidacy, explore implant options, and see how the dual plane technique can deliver natural balance and lasting confidence.