Breast Augmentation Incisions

By Dennis Hurwitz on August 08, 2013

At the practice of plastic surgeon Dennis Hurwitz, breast augmentation may be performed to address breasts that are misshapen, breasts that are not the same size, breasts that have begun to sag, and breasts that are too small. Patients who are unhappy with the size, shape, feel, or appearance of their breasts may benefit from breast augmentation. One of the most important decisions a patient can make concerning her breast augmentation is the type of incision that will be used during the procedure.

Breast Augmentation Incisions

During a personal consultation at Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery in Pittsburgh, breast augmentation incisions, breast implant type, and breast implant size, among other factors will be discussed in great detail. The type of breast augmentation incision used during the procedure is dependent upon the patient’s unique contours, needs, and goals. The most commonly utilized breast augmentation incisions are the periareolar incision, the inframammary incision, and the transaxillary incision.

Periareolar Incision

This incision type places the breast augmentation incision in the skin located near the areola of the breast. The periareolar incision allows the surgeon a high degree of control when placing the breast implant. The periareolar incision may be used with submuscular and subglandular placement as well as with saline and silicone breast implants. One of the greatest advantages of the periareolar incision is that the scar tends to heal well. Most patients find scarring to be minimal with this type of incision. Because of the placement of the incision, any resulting scarring typically blends in with the surrounding area.

Inframammary Incision

Among the most popular, if not the most popular, breast augmentation incisions utilized today is the inframammary incision. With this technique, an incision is made close to the inframammary fold under the breast. The inframammary fold is the area of the body where the chest and the breast come together to create a natural crease. Breast implants may be placed using the submuscular or subglandular approach when using this incision type. Silicone or saline breast implants may be used with inframammary incisions. The surgeon has a high degree of control when using this type of incision. One of the benefits of inframammary incisions is that any scarring that occurs is naturally hidden under the crease of the breast.

Transaxillary Incision

In this technique, an incision is made in the armpit. The transaxillary incision can be more difficult to perform than other types of breast augmentation incisions. A benefit of the transaxillary incision is that there is no scarring on the breast itself. Any scarring that occurs will develop under the arm where it can be easily hidden by clothing. Patients who do not want to experience any scarring on the breast may benefit from the transaxillary incision. The transaxillary incision does not allow for the same degree of precision as other breast augmentation incision types. Using transaxillary incisions, breast implants may be placed using the submuscular or subglandular approach.

Learn More

There are advantages and disadvantages to each breast augmentation incision type. To learn more about breast augmentation incisions, please contact Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery today.