Breast Augmentation: Incisions and Placement
Incision Sites for Breast Implant Placement
Your doctor plays a pivotal role in explaining your options for surgery. Breast tissue, body type, implant type and size will all be considered before you and your surgeon finalise a surgical plan. This is an overview of the most common incision choices your doctor can offer:
Inframammary Incision
An inframammary incision is placed in the foldbeneath your breast. Most commonly, cohesive gel implants are inserted through an incision inthe inframammary fold. The inframammary route is popular with surgeons because it provides good access to most pocket locations giving your surgeon precise access to where your breast implant will sit after surgery.
Periareolar Incision
The periareolar incision is performed on the border of the dark skin around your nipple. Most women seem to prefer the inframammary access over the periareolar approach. Insertion of a form stable device through the periareolar location may be technically challenging, with the risk of fracturing the gel. Some surgeons feel the periareolar entry is the most versatile as it offers excellent pocket access to all types of implants and good scar concealment.
Transaxillary Incision
A transaxillary incision is concealed in the armpit and as it is more removed from the breast area it may be less noticeable. Some surgeons may use the transaxillary approach to minimise the risk of hypertrophic/ hyperpigmented scars on the breast, primarily in Asian patients. Ask your surgeon if this approach is right for you.
Choices for Implant Placement
You can have your implants placed above the muscle but underneath either the gland (subglandular) or the fascia (subfascial); below the muscle (subpectoral) or a combination of subpectoral/subglandular (dual-plane). Your surgeon will decide which placement location is best for you based on your goals, breast type and other factors. The location choice will be part of your surgical plan.
