Breast Augmentation Incision Options

Among the decisions to make before a breast augmentation surgery, incision options must be discussed beforehand with your surgeon for better patient satisfaction. Incision placement will depend on your concerns for scars, your surgeon’s experience with various techniques, and the surgeon’s advice for your body type and goals, as well as the type of implant you choose.

Inframammary Incision

The inframammary incision is placed in the tease underneath the breast. These incisions are hidden in the fold of the breast and are probably the most common incision choice.  It is frequently used because it allows the surgeon to accurately place the implants.  The implant pocket is visible and easier to access.  This technique leaves the natural breast tissue alone, which has fewer effects for breastfeeding or for nipple sensation.

Usually, the inframammary is used for larger implants.  Silicone implants are pre filled and require a large incision such as the inframammary for insertion.

Transareolar

The transareolar surgical technique makes incisions around the areola.  The areola is the dark circle area on the breast and provides for a hidden scar.  This incision is common for patients who have had at least one pregnancy or who have a larger areolar diameter.

This incision does have the surgeon cutting through the breast tissue, so it can affect the milk ducts and increase breast feeding difficulties.  It can also affect nipple sensation because of the surgeon cutting the actual breast tissue.

Transaxillary

The transaxillary cut goes through the arm pit, and the scar is well concealed under the arm. It is sometimes referred to as a scarless breast augmentation which is not actually true, but it is called that because the scars are not on the breast itself.

Placing a large implant such as a silicone implants through an armpit or areola incision risks damaging the implant.  Ask your surgeon how much experience he or she has with armpit insertions, and ask to see photos of the patient before and afters and scars.

Trans Umbilical

no transaxillary augmentation armpit scar

Trans umbilical (or TUBA) is an incision technique that goes through the belly button.  Because the insertion point is so limited, a TUBA incision requires an unfilled saline implant, which will be filled after in place.  The patient should be aware that the manufacturer warranty is voided when using this technique.