Hybrid Breast Augmentation: Why We Prefer a Subglandular Implant with Fat Grafting2026.07.24
The Ideal Combination for Patients Considering Arm Liposuction and Breast Augmentation
“I want fuller breasts, but I also want them to look and feel natural.”
“I’m considering arm liposuction and breast augmentation at the same time.”
These are among the most common requests we receive at AVAN TOKYO.
Many of our patients choose to combine circumferential arm liposuction with hybrid breast augmentation because this approach enhances not only the breasts but the overall appearance of the upper body. Rather than treating each area separately, we focus on creating a continuous, elegant silhouette from the shoulders and upper arms to the décolletage and breasts.
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What Is Hybrid Breast Augmentation?
Hybrid breast augmentation combines the advantages of silicone implants with autologous fat grafting.
At AVAN TOKYO, our preferred technique is to place the silicone implant in the subglandular plane and then perform superficial fat grafting over the implant.
The implant provides reliable volume and projection, while the fat graft softens the implant edges, improves cleavage, and creates a smoother, more natural contour.
This combination offers the benefits of both procedures while minimizing many of their individual limitations.
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Why Do We Prefer the Subglandular Plane?
There are several implant placement options, including:
- Subglandular
- Submuscular
- Dual-plane
For most suitable candidates, we prefer the subglandular plane because it offers several important advantages:
- Creates a naturally rounded breast shape
- Produces a smooth transition from the upper chest to the lower breast
- Involves less muscle dissection and generally less bleeding
- Allows for a more comfortable recovery in many patients
- Makes it easier to create a seamless contour between the upper arm, underarm, and breast
During fat grafting procedures, the subglandular region also plays an important role in shaping the overall breast contour. For this reason, combining a subglandular implant with superficial fat grafting often provides an excellent aesthetic outcome.
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When Are Submuscular or Dual-Plane Placement Better?
Subglandular placement is not the best option for every patient.
We may recommend submuscular or dual-plane placement when patients have:
- Extremely thin skin and soft tissue
- Minimal breast tissue
- Very low body fat with a higher risk of implant visibility
- Male chest augmentation
- Breast reconstruction cases
- Anatomical factors requiring additional implant coverage
The ideal technique should always be selected based on each patient’s anatomy rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
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Why Does Arm Liposuction Pair So Well with Hybrid Breast Augmentation?
When performing arm liposuction, we pay close attention not only to the arms but also to the accessory breast (underarm fat).
Carefully contouring this area while enhancing breast volume creates a harmonious transition between:
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
- Underarms
- Décolletage
- Breasts
This integrated approach produces an elegant upper-body silhouette that is difficult to achieve when each procedure is performed independently.
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Case Example
21-Year-Old Female
6 Months After Circumferential Arm Liposuction and Hybrid Breast Augmentation
Procedure:
- Circumferential arm liposuction with accessory breast contouring
- Motiva Mini 290 cc implant placed in the subglandular plane
- Fat grafting: 70 cc to each breast
At six months after surgery, the breasts have settled into a soft, natural contour. Removing accessory breast fullness while adding carefully placed fat around the implant created a smooth transition from the upper arms to the breasts, resulting in a refined upper-body silhouette that looks particularly elegant in fitted clothing and swimwear.

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The AVAN TOKYO Philosophy
Breast augmentation is not simply about increasing breast size.
Beautiful results require harmony between the:
- Shoulders
- Collarbones
- Upper arms
- Underarms
- Décolletage
- Breasts
At AVAN TOKYO, every procedure is designed based on anatomy, body proportions, skin quality, muscle structure, and each patient’s individual goals.
Our philosophy is to enhance the entire upper body—not just the breasts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is subglandular placement suitable for everyone?
No. The most appropriate implant position depends on skin thickness, breast tissue volume, body type, previous surgeries, and individual anatomy. We recommend the safest and most suitable technique after a thorough consultation.
Why add fat if an implant already provides volume?
Fat grafting softens the implant edges, improves the upper pole and cleavage, enhances the overall contour, and creates a more natural appearance and feel.
What are the benefits of combining arm liposuction with hybrid breast augmentation?
Combining these procedures allows us to contour the accessory breast and upper arm while enhancing breast volume, creating a continuous and balanced upper-body silhouette that is difficult to achieve with either procedure alone.
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Risks and Potential Complications
Potential risks include swelling, bruising, pain, infection, hematoma, asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant malposition, implant rupture, fat necrosis, palpable lumps, temporary numbness, scarring, and the possibility of revision surgery.
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Surgeon’s Message
At AVAN TOKYO, we do not perform breast augmentation with the goal of simply making the breasts larger.
When hybrid breast augmentation is combined with arm liposuction, we carefully design the shoulders, upper arms, accessory breast, décolletage, and breasts as one continuous aesthetic unit.
For many patients, combining a subglandular silicone implant with superficial fat grafting provides an excellent balance of volume, softness, and natural contours.
If you are considering arm liposuction together with breast augmentation and want a refined, elegant upper-body silhouette rather than simply larger breasts, we would be happy to discuss the most appropriate treatment plan for your anatomy and aesthetic goals.