The big decision has been made. You’re going to treat yourself to breast augmentation surgery. Or maybe it’s a gift from someone else. Either way, the biggest decision (yay or nay?) has been made. Congratulations! Whether you sweated over it or have always known it’s what you want, your journey now continues with a series of decisions you’ll need to make (if you haven’t already), including the doctor, the date, the type of implant, and the location of the implant incision.
You’ve come to the right place. At San Diego Body Contouring, we can provide you with world-class cosmetic surgeons, a surgery date that fits your needs and your schedule, and all the information you need to make a decision about the type of implant [click here to read our blog] and which incision site might be best for you.
Let’s start with the four different options for breast augmentation incisions, as your preference for one or another may determine the type of implant you can have.
Axillary (armpit)
The transaxillary incision is most often used to place unfilled saline breast implants. The doctor makes the incision under your arm, and then uses a lighted camera (endoscope) to create a tunnel through your subcutaneous fat and a pocket for the implant. The implant is filled with saline after insertion. The obvious advantage of this technique is zero scarring on the breast, though you may have a visible scar beneath your arm. The endoscopic technique also provides your doctor with complete visibility and precise control of implant placement.
Periareolar (around the nipple)
The doctor makes the periareolar incision around the edge of the areola, reducing the likelihood of visible scaring, especially for women with darker nipples. Unless a lift is being performed in addition to the implant, the incision may only be around the lower half of the areola. This technique gives the doctor direct visibility and control of implant positioning. It can be used to place saline or silicone implants, and it allows the doctor to easily combine the implant with a breast lift. This incision site can, however, pose problems for future breastfeeding.
Inframammary (in the crease beneath the breast)
This incision is known as the “crease” incision or the “fold” incision. The doctor makes the incision right where the breast meets the body, resulting in a scar hidden by the breast itself (unless the patient is lying down flat). The inframammary incision is a great approach for the placement of silicone breast implants, especially for those opting for additional breast surgeries, such as a breast lift. The scar from this incision is harder to hide on small, tight breasts.
Umbilical (through the belly button)*
The transumbilical incision is similar to the transaxillary incision in that it results in zero scarring on the breast. It also requires the use of an endoscope, and would not work with silicone implants. This method has not yet been studied extensively or approved by implant manufacturers, and the risks are still unknown.
*We do not perform this type of implant placement at San Diego Body Contouring.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own
At San Diego Body Contouring, we don’t expect you to come to us with your breast augmentation procedure all planned out. That’s something we can do together. Dr. Sarosy and the rest of our cosmetic surgeons have extensive experience with breast surgery and have made thousands of women happy with breast implants. Every single one of those implant procedures began with a one-on-one conversation between doctor and patient. Our doctors will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way. When it’s all said and done, you’ll get stunning results from the decisions we make together.
Give us a call today to schedule your breast augmentation consultation or to inquire about any of our cosmetic procedures.
