The Four Types Of Breast Augmentation Incisions You Should Know About
When considering Breast augmentation surgery, you will be faced with many decisions. After all, deciding to have a medical intervention takes much thought. So, it is essential to be very well-informed before starting this journey; this will make you feel much more confident and will surely align your expectations with the potential results. Some of the decisions include choosing the size of the implant, shape, texture… and type of incision.
Currently, there are several different types of incisions for breast augmentation surgery, although three of them are more commonly used. Incisions such as the periareolar and the inframammary incisions, which are two out of the three most common, are usually the ones that are used for silicone breast implants and the ones most Surgeons are well versed in.
In this blog post, we will explain each of them, so you have the general information ahead of your consultation surgery. During your first breast augmentation consultation, your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon will go through each in-depth and evaluate which incision is the best for your breast surgery depending on your goal, lifestyle, body type and medical history.
It is essential to understand that the ideal incision does not exist. All of them have pros and cons based on body anatomy, tissue characteristics, and even the type of implant that has been selected for the procedure.
The four types of incisions for breast augmentation surgery:
- Inframammary Incision
The Inframammary incision is the most common for breast augmentation surgery and the most versatile as well. It is placed in the fold of the skin under the breast, which usually allows it to be very well hidden.
This incision also provides a secure placement of the implant, as the Surgeon can work very close to the breast and allows great visibility and precision. It is a great option for women who might be looking forward to breastfeeding in the future, or for those who want anatomical implants, also known as tear-drop shaped implants, such as The Matrix™ or our CoGel™ implant from GC Aesthetics®.
- Periareolar Incision
This incision is placed around the areola, the darker skin around the nipple. This type of incision allows for better precision during the placement of the implant during surgery because the incision point is very close to the final implant location. This has good pros; it makes it easier for the Plastic Surgeon to control the bleeding and leaves a small scar that can be concealed very well and is nearly invisible.
However, the downside of this type of incision is that there is a higher risk of capsule contracture due to the possibility of milk conducts severed during surgery or infected, which can lead to hardening of the breast and/or breastfeeding difficulties in the future.
- Transaxillary Incision
The third most common incision for breast augmentation surgery is the Transaxillary incision. This incision is done in the armpit, and from there, the Plastic Surgeon creates a channel through the fat to properly place the implant.
This incision is very well known for leaving no visible scarring after the surgery, and it’s a great option for saline-filled implants. But a big disadvantage is that since the incision is so far away from the implant placement and the breast pocket, there could be difficulties when placing the implant. And it is important to note as well, that with this incision, it is generally not safe to use silicone gel prostheses. If you are considering silicone gel implants, we recommend you consider other incision options and check out the GC Aesthetics® extensive breast implant portfolio.
- Transumbilical Incision
The final and probably least common incision for a breast surgery augmentation is the Transumbilical incision. This one consists of an incision in the navel near the belly button, and, from there, saline implants are placed using an endoscope. This is another saline-filled implant incision.
This technique is not used often or easily recommended, as it can bring a variety of complications to the surgery, as the procedure does not allow to work closely from the breast pocket.
We hope that this blog post helped you to have a better understanding of one of the most important factors of breast augmentation surgery. This blog should be used as a guide and does not replace the consultation of a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, as the Surgeon will have the skill set to determine which incision is the best for you considering your body-type, lifestyle, ideal goal and medical history.
For over 40 years, GC Aesthetics® has provided women worldwide with reliable, safe, and effective breast implants. To learn more about our extensive breast implant portfolio, visit our website and feel more informed to book your first consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon today.
GC Aesthetics®️, A Confident Choice for Life™️
Sources:
- https://www.drevanbeale.com/blog/your-breast-augmentation-incision-options-explained/
- https://www.northraleighplasticsurgery.com/breast-augmentation-incision-placement/
- https://www.epsteinplasticsurgery.com/procedures/breast-procedures/breast-augmentation/breast-implants-101/incision-placement-options/incision-options/