Incision Placement in Breast Augmentation

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Breast augmentation requires breast implants to be inserted into the body via an incision. Incisions can be made in a variety of locations. The most suitable location will be up to the discretion of the physician performing the breast augmentation procedure and the patient. Incisions can be one of the following: axillary, inframammary, periareolar, or transumbilical.

Axillary (Transaxillary)

The first, axillary, is an incision made under the armpit for breast implants placed below or over the muscle (subglandular or submuscular). Assisted by an endoscope, an instrument that allows the physician to view the interior of a canal or hollow organ, the axillary incision is well hidden in the armpit and is commonly used for saline implants. Saline implants are filled after being placed within the body, therefore incision in the armpit enables the implants to be filled with the saline solution easily.

The resulting scar usually heals well if carefully placed in a natural occurring crease, and can only be seen when the arm is lifted. However, reoperation requires entry into the body from a different incision, possibly located elsewhere.

Inframammary

Inframammary incisions are made under the breast, where the fold is located. This is the most popular type of incision, as any type of implant placement can be more precisely positioned. The resulting scar is not as noticeable, as it is placed within the fold of the breast crease.

The same incision location can be used for future surgical procedure, so that no new scar will form. Like all incisions, they will be closed with stitches, and gauze or tape to provide additional support. Your experienced physician will ensure the scar will remain within the fold of the implanted breasts. However, if the size of the implant changes in future breast augmentation procedures, the scar may become more visible due to the change of the breast size, and consequently, the breast fold.

Periareolar

The periareolar is another common incision for any type of breast implant and placement. The incision is made along the lower border of the areola. Because the nipple-areola complex is very vascular and the skin of the areola is thin, this area is one of the best places to make the incision for breast augmentation. These two properties make the scar heal very well. Most people will not be able to notice the scar because there is a natural line between the areola and the regular skin below it.

Another reason why this is a great incision site is that the physician is right at the center of where the implant should be placed, making the positioning of the implant more precise.

Transumbilical

The newest type of incision placement is transumbilical, for breast implants that must be inflated after they are placed within the body. This involves an incision made into the navel or belly button, with only a very hidden scar resulting. Recovering from breast augmentation using a transumbilical incision is often less painful and shorter than other alternatives. However, some physicians do believe that this type of incision allows for a less accurate placement of the breast implants.

More Breast Augmentation Information

Breast Augmentation at TCC
Getting Ready for Breast Augmentation
The Procedure
Recovering From Surgery
Breast Augmentation and Mammograms
Subglandular Placement
Submuscular Placement
FAQ
Incision Placement in Breast Augmentation

Implants
All About Breast Implants
Gel Filled Breast Implants
Saline Implants for Breast Augmentation
Silicone and Breast Implants
The Right Size