Breast augmentation incision placement is one of the important decisions you’ll make before your breast surgery. Here, Dr. Jason breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of each type of breast incision.
IMF INCISION
The most common incision performed is the inframammary fold incision (IMF), which is placed just under the breast in your natural breast crease.
IMF ADVANTAGES
- Scar is often hidden by the breast.
- If you scar poorly, this is the best approach.
- Allows good visibility for precise creation of implant pocket.
- Least risk for breast feeding
- Least risk for Implant exposure to bacteria
- Good approach for additional breast surgery.
- Good approach for treatment of cases with sagging breast.
IMF DISADVANTAGES
- Harder to hide scar on small, tight breasts, without deep folds.
- Scar may be visible when you are lying flat.
AREOLAR INCISION
The second most common incision used is the periareolar incision, placed along the outer rim of the areola (pigmented flat part of the nipple).
AREOLAR ADVANTAGES
- Scar can be well hidden by areola
- Allows good visibility for precise creation of implant pocket
- Good approach for additional breast surgery.
- Good approach for treatment of cases of sagging breast
AREOLAR DISADVANTAGES
- Sensitive area
- Scar can be visible and is at the focal point of the breast.
- May expose the implant to breast tissue and bacteria within the breast tissue (Implant exposure to bacteria increases the risk of capsular contracture.)
- Higher risk for sensory changes of the nipple.
- Higher risk of problems with future breast feeding.
TRANSAXILLARY INCISION
The transaxillary approach uses an incision in the natural fold of the armpits; avoiding a scar on the breasts.
TRANSAXILLARY ADVANTAGES
- No scar on the breast (Scar usually blends into skin crease)
- Endoscopic technique provides adequate visibility and precise surgical control of pocket creation, bleeding and implant placement
TRANSAXILLARY DISADVANTAGES
- A poor scar can be visible when raising arms (rare)
- Poor approach for treatment of cases of sagging breast.
- The longer (2-2.5 inches) scar needed for placement of silicone gel implants can be difficult to hide in small underarms.
- Poor approach for additional breast surgery/revisions.
- Small risk of numbness of the skin around the underarm and upper arm
These different options will be discussed during your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Jason. Together, you’ll make the decision that results in the most natural looking breast augmentation for you.
