Which Incision Is Best For Breast Augmentation?

Choosing to undergo breast augmentation surgery isn’t something you decide to do on a whim. We’re sure you have a million thoughts racing through your mind, “What implant should I get?”, “Will I have a scar?”, “Where will the incision be?” But, you’re probably most concerned about the location of the incision and scarring.

There are three types of breast augmentation incisions used depending on the type of breast implant, aesthetic preferences, and your plastic surgeon’s recommendation. There are inframammary incisions, periareolar incisions, and transaxillary incisions. So, let’s talk about the various breast augmentation incisions available and what they mean in terms of scarring.

Inframammary or Breast Fold Incision

The inframammary incision is made on the underside of your breast, where the breast creases or meets your chest. This incision enables plastic surgeons to insert saline or silicone implants underneath the muscle and it’s a patient favorite as it is easy to hide the scar. After all, the incision falls along the breast crease which is easily hidden.

A small disadvantage is that the scar can move slightly higher if the patient decides to go with a larger implant in the future, however, this is never a significant issue. 

Periareolar or Areola Incision

The periareolar incision follows the curve around the patient’s areola and enables plastic surgeons to have increased control when placing the implant as it’s directly above the implant location. So, how does this affect scarring? Because of the texture and darker color of areolas, the scar is easily camouflaged and often not noticed. Also, if patients wish to alter their breast size later on or simply replace their implant down the line, this incision can be used again during another surgery.

This sounds too good to be true, so what’s the catch? There are a few downsides to this incision. If the incision doesn’t heal well, it can create a raised, bumpy scar that stands out (don’t worry, though, this is in rare instances). It’s also important to consider breastfeeding down the line as this incision can interfere with your milk ducts and decrease nipple sensitivity. 

Transaxillary Endoscopic Incision

The transaxillary incision is a small 1-inch incision that is placed on the natural fold of the armpit in order to avoid scarring on the breast. This option enables plastic surgeons to place the implant above or below the muscle depending on your specified approach. Typically, patients that either want to breast feed or avoid any breast scarring find this option to the appealing.

So, what’s the downside? This incision is a one-time option. If you wish to alter your breast size or simply replace your implants down the line, it will require an additional incision and subsequently additional scarring. Also, achieving breast symmetry is made a bit more difficult when inserting the implant from a much further distance.

No one said choosing a breast augmentation incision would be easy, but Dr. Z is here to help you weigh out the pros and cons of each option. His expertise will enable you to make an educated decision that matches your aesthetic preferences, implant choice, and more. We’re so confident that Dr. Z can help you that we offer low-cost, no obligation consultations. Schedule your consultation today in Orlando, FL.