Understanding the Pros and Cons of Different Breast Augmentation Incision Techniques
Once you decide on the kind of implants and placement you want, you have another decision. You need to decide the kind of breast augmentation incisions you want. All incisions have different pros and cons and varying aesthetics. The options available to you are;
Periareolar Incisions ( Around the Nipple)
Inframammary Incisions( Under the breast)
Transaxillary Incisions ( Under the armpit)
Transumbilical Incision ( Through the navel)
Here is more on each incision;
Periareolar Incision
This incision cuts along the curve at the bottom of the areola, where the darker skin meets, the lighter one. The surgeon can create a pocket to house the implant through the incision. You can choose whether you want the implant below or above the pectoral muscle.
Pros
The incision scar heals better as it is on a dark area. However, if a patient experiences trouble healing, the scar may appear raised, which makes it more noticeable.
The point of the incision is very close to the implant location. Thus, in case of bleeding, the surgeon can easily control it.
Future surgeries are more accessible. If you need other surgeries through the same area, the incision is easy to reopen and reuse.
Cons
Losing the ability to breastfeed; The periareolar incision poses the most significant risk of severing the milk ducts among all incision types. Therefore, if you plan on breastfeeding in future, you may need to reconsider.
Losing nipple sensation
Higher risk of capsular contracture
Almost Impossible if you want large implants; To place a small silicone implant, you’ll need a diameter of about 1½ inches. You need a wider diameter for larger implants to prevent damage and leaking. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to do a periareolar incision if you want larger implants.
Inframammary Incisions( Under the breast)
Also called the breast fold incision, this is arguably the most popular incision technique. It was the first incision technique and is still in use today. It cuts through the lower part of the breast, where the breast and the chest meet. This incision makes implant placement easy to achieve a natural appearance.
An incision scar is easy to hide; since it is under the breast’s volume, it is easy to hide when wearing a bra or bikini.
Excellent access to the incision area; The pocket created is easily visible, which ensures accuracy during implant placement.
The easier revision or re-visit surgeries; If you need an implant replacement or any other surgery, your surgeon can quickly reopen the existing scar. You will not experience additional scarring.
No risk of severing the milk ducts; With this technique, your milk ducts are safe, and you can breastfeed in the future. The method also steers clear of bacteria found in the milk glands, which can cause disfiguring and painful scar contracture.
More control in case of bleeding; The area operated on in this procedure is close ( the breast area alone), which gives surgeons more control and ensures precision. Surgeons can achieve almost perfect symmetry with this technique.
Cons
Noticeable scar: Sometimes, the scar can move up from the fold. Once it’s stretched out, it becomes apparent.
Challenges sizing up or down; If you decide to get larger implants in the future, the scar may move up to the visible breast area. Alternatively, if you size down on the implants, the scar may move down so that it is visible beneath the breast fold.
Challenging for small-breasts women; This incision may be difficult for women with smaller breasts, as they do not have a natural crease. Thus, finding the best position may be difficult. To minimise the risk of error, request a quote from an experienced surgeon like Dr Tarek Bayazid.
Transaxillary Incision ( Under the armpit)
A transaxillary incision creates an incision in the armpit’s underfold. Through the incision, the surgeon creates a path to the breast. They then make a pocket to house the implant. The size of the incision is small. It ranges from an inch t an inch and a half. In most cases, it is an endoscopic procedure.
Pros
Minimal damage to the breasts; The only contact with the breast is during the pocket creation and implant placement. Since there are no incisions on your breasts, there’s minimal threat to your milk glands.
No visible scars; No need to worry about scarring on your breast area and how you will hide it. You can wear low-cut tops or any bathing suit designs.
Cons
Improper placement; It may be challenging to achieve the “ dual plane position” that most surgeons recommend.
Scarring on the armpit; When you wear sleeveless clothing, the transaxillary incision may be visible.
Less Control; Since the incision is far from the breast area, surgeons have less control over how the implant sits. Placing it under the pectoral muscle may be challenging.
Transumbilical Incision
Here, the incision cuts the song to the belly button, creating a channel through the abdomen. Empty implants pass through the tunnel and then inflate after placement. It’s important to note that you can only use saline implants with this procedure.
Pros
Fewer chances of damage; Just like the trans axillary incision, this procedure does not touch the breasts. Thus, it is ideal for women who want to breastfeed in the future.
No scarring; Since the incision is at the navel, the wrinkles in the area conceal it well.
Shorter recovery time
Cons
Higher risks of distortion; The long distance between the incision position and the breasts gives surgeons less control.
You cannot combine procedures; If you want a breast lift and augmentation simultaneously, you may need to consider incisions along the breast. The transumbilical opening is not sufficient for these procedures.
It requires special training; Most surgeons do not offer the option of a TUBA incision as it requires great skill and mastery.
Difficulty attaining the symmetrical look as the surgeon works away from the breast.
Picking the Right Incision
It’s great to do tons of research before your procedure. However, the answer to the best incision for you lies with your doctor. Dr Tarek Bayazid will give you a proper examination and guide you through the best incision. Request a quote today to make the right pick.
Dr. Tarek Bayazid is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery “ISAPS”, and the Emirates Plastic Surgery Society (EPSS). He is proudly a member of the most prestigious societies worldwide such as the Melbourne Advanced Facial Anatomy Course – MAFAC from Australia by the eminent Dr.Mendelson.
Dr. Tarek Bayazid is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery “ISAPS”, and the Emirates Plastic Surgery Society (EPSS). He is proudly a member of the most prestigious societies worldwide such as the Melbourne Advanced Facial Anatomy Course – MAFAC from Australia by the eminent Dr.Mendelson.
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