Breast Implant Incisions: An Overview
Breast implant incisions aren't in the same location for every surgery — did you know this?
Many patients are surprised to hear that there are at least three possible locations for the incisions required for breast augmentation surgery. Below, we'll take a look at all options and outline their advantages and disadvantages.
What Are the 3 Types of Breast Implant Incisions?
For most breast augmentation patients, three options exist: an inframammary incision placement, a periareolar incision placement, or a transaxillary incision placement. You will work together with your plastic surgeon to determine which incision placement is right for you. Each one has its own pros and cons.
#1 – Inframammary Incision
The inframammary incision technique involves an incision made beneath the breast in the natural crease, also known as the inframammary fold. Many plastic surgeons consider this approach optimal for achieving great results.
It provides easy access to the breast pocket for precise placement. Moreover, if future implant revision surgery is contemplated, this same incision can be used, which avoids additional scarring.
#2 – Periareolar Incision
The periareolar incision encircles the areola, which is the pigmented skin around the nipple. It's a popular choice for many seeking breast augmentation due to its potential for excellent scar concealment.
This incision placement also makes precise insertion of the implant easy for your surgeon. Patients often find their scars barely noticeable with this incision. At the same time, individuals with very small areolas might not be ideal candidates for this method.
#3 – Transaxillary Incision
The transaxillary incision is made in the armpit. Some women prefer this approach to breast augmentation because it leaves the breast area completely scar-free.
While many surgeons can create beautiful results using the transaxillary incision, this indirect location can sometimes be a challenge when it comes to precise implant placement. Likewise, it means that if you undergo revision surgery in the future, your surgeon may need to make a separate breast implant incision to access the implants.
Rare Option – Trans Umbilical Incision
Sometimes called a “scarless breast augmentation”, the trans umbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) incision option is rarely used, but still may be an option for some patients.
This option utilizes the navel as the access point for inserting the breast implants. Your surgeon creates an incision within your navel, then bring the breast implants in through this incision and over the abdomen to the chest.
As with an armpit incision, the TUBA incision location can make precise implant insertion somewhat difficult for your surgeon. It requires expert skill and experience that not all plastic surgeons possess.
But, of course, the beauty of the TUBA incision is that it is just about as scarless as you can get. The incision within the navel should be virtually unnoticeable once you've healed from your breast augmentation surgery.
FAQ: Breast Augmentation Incisions
What types of breast implant incisions are best for most patients?
There are different types of breast implants and there are different types of breast implant incisions. In most cases, the majority of patients — whether they've chosen to have saline or silicone implants — would benefit from inframammary incisions. In fact, most plastic surgeons prefer this incision type.
With the breast fold incision option, your plastic surgeon can conceal your incision within the breast crease, there's good access for precise implant placement, and there is no risk of losing nipple sensation (as may be the case in some rare cases with a periareolar incision).
Can you put Neosporin on breast implant incisions?
No, it is not recommended that you put Neosporin on breast implant incisions. Always listen to your experienced plastic surgeon regarding the proper medications to use during your recovery. In many cases, breast augmentation scars can be faded and flattened more quickly by using silicone sheets or gels. But again, always consult with your surgeon first.
Can you get a breast lift and a breast augmentation at the same time?
Yes, this is known as a breast augmentation mastopexy, or breast lift with implants, and it is quite common. In fact, patients frequently combine breast augmentation with other plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction or a tummy tuck.
A mommy makeover combines all or some of these aforementioned procedures into one surgery, depending on the patient's individual needs and goals. The most frequent goal of a mommy makeover is to restore a woman's body after she's done having children.
How long do breast implant incisions take to heal?
Every patient is different. For this reason, when patients want to know how long for breast implant incisions to heal, most board certified plastic surgeons give a rough estimate of one to two weeks.
For the most part, within this timeframe following a breast augmentation procedure, the majority of patients can go back to work and have healed incisions with some residual bruising, swelling, and other light symptoms. These symptoms will clear up in the following weeks and months.
Contact Us to Set Up a Consultation Appointment
Explore more about your breast augmentation incision options at a consultation appointment with Dr. Aric Aghayan. Breast enhancement surgery can be a life-changing experience for women who've long wished for larger breasts, those who struggle with asymmetrical breasts, or those who simply want a change.
Things like pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and aging can take their toll on our bodies — especially the breasts. But saline implants and silicone breast implants have the power to restore your youth and give you that stunning profile you've always wanted.
Call today to schedule a breast augmentation consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Aric Aghayan.
