Incision Options for Breast Augmentation Surgery
Women who undergo breast augmentation surgery have a wide variety of concerns, goals, backgrounds, and beliefs. These differences in each patient help determine the size and type of breast implants, as well as the location of incisions. Because these options greatly affect the overall results and your satisfaction with the surgery, they are best decided with the guidance of an experienced plastic surgeon. Here's a brief look at how we approach breast augmentation incisions at our Missoula plastic surgery center.
Breast Augmentation Incision Options
The three breast augmentation incision options are:
- Inframammary
- Peri-areolar
- Transaxillary
Each option has its pros and cons. What appeals to some patients might not appeal to you. If you are considering breast augmentation, you should be well informed about the options and work with your plastic surgeon to determine which technique will provide the best results for your unique body type and desired results.
Inframammary Incision
The most common method of breast augmentation uses the inframammary incision. In this technique, a small incision is made underneath the breast, along the natural crease where the breast meets the body. The breast implant is inserted through the incision and precisely set into place.
The inframammary technique offers many advantages, including:
- Good control of implant placement
- Discreet scarring that is easily concealed by swimsuits and bras
- Less interference with breastfeeding
- Reusable incision site if breast implant revision surgery is needed
- The best option for silicone implants
Peri-Areolar Incision
The peri-areolar technique involves making an incision around the areola, the outer portion around the nipple. Advantages include:
- More accurate placement of both saline and silicone implants
- Less visible scarring that blends in well with surrounding skin
- Correction of nipple inversion, in some cases
In rare cases, this technique can lead to a loss of nipple sensation and problems with breastfeeding. You should discuss these risks with your surgeon.
Transaxillary Incision
In the transaxillary option, the incision is made in the underarm area. The implant is then placed through this incision and guided down to the desired breast location. Advantages include:
- No scarring on the breasts
- Easy access to muscular tissues for submuscular placement
Although the idea of not having any scars on the breasts appeals to many patients, this procedure does have drawbacks. This method is not as accurate as the inframammary and peri-areolar techniques and has a greater chance of uneven placement or implants that sit too high on the chest. Also, although there is no scarring on the breast, the scars in the underarms can be noticeable when you raise your arms in a swimsuit or a in sleeveless shirt or dress.
Learn More about Breast Augmentation
The type of incision used for breast augmentation depends on the type and size of implants, your body type, and your personal goals. At Northwest Plastic Surgery Associates, our surgeons are specially trained in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery on the breast and all areas of the body and face. If you are interested in breast augmentation to enhance your shape and increase your self-confidence, we invite you to schedule a consultation today.