Incisions of Breast Implant Surgery
The incisions for breast implant surgery depend on different factors such as implant type, patient preference and surgeon preference. This is where breast implants are to be inserted and placed on any of the following locations on the body:
- In breast crease (sub mammary)
- In the lower part of the areola (nipple area)
- In the armpit (axillary)
- In the navel incision
The latter technique, the naval incision, is very rare among certified plastic surgeons who generally prefer breast crease incisions.
Breast Crease is the Most Common Incision
The most common method is that the incision is placed in breast crease. Many believe this is the safest method because it has full transparency over the surgical site, does not affect mammary gland, the implants can be placed either above or below the pectoral muscle via this incision. What is even more exciting is that with modern measurement techniques the surgeon can place the cut exactly in the breast crease making the cuts and scars less visible. Another plus for this incision is that the most common type of implant, cohesive implants with a textured surface, is best used with this method.
Dissatisfaction with unusual scars
Many women worry that the scars will be visible and unsightly. When entering breast crease and provided that the patient manage their scars in a good way after her breast surgery , this is very unusual.
However, there are occasional cases that some patients will have more visible scars due to the improper post-surgery caretaking. (You can read this article about post-surgery care.)
The Areola (Nipple Incision)
An incision in the lower part of the areola works well for many women, but represents a certain risk of detection the area is a focal point for the breasts, it tends to make scars more obvious. It also means greater risk for loss of feeling in the nipples and breast feeding difficulties. This cut is suitable primarily for sub-glandular (in the mammary gland but above muscles) placement of the implant.
The Armpit (Axillary incision)
Placing the incision in the armpit has the obvious advantage that the scar is hidden in the armpit, which after healing often leads to it being almost unnoticeable.
Some surgeons believe, however, that the technique leads to a slightly increased risk of infection caused by bacteria in the armpit’s hair follicles. There are also those who think that the method provides an inferior view of the surgical field and that the implants tend to be somewhat high on the chest.
Practitioners of the axillary method argue that any increased risk of infection is not present and that incision under the arm pits are not suitable for those who choose high profile implants and the scar tissues tend to pull the implants upwards making them look unnatural.
The Navel (Transumbical Incision)
The main advantage of transumbical incision is that the incision is hidden in the navel. The downside is that implants can only be placed outside of the pectoral muscle, the surgeon may not be able to correct any asymmetries and additional procedures cannot be performed through the same incision. These must be placed in either the lower part of the areola or in the crease under the breast.
Some surgeons also mention that the method restricts implant options considerably because only saline implants can be used. It is therefore unusual for plastic surgeons to choose this method of breast enlargement.
Conclusion
All type of incision has advantages and disadvantages. The place where an incision is made will depend on your personal preference. After finding a surgeon with enough skill to make the incision you desire, discuss your expectation and concerns with your surgeon so that he or she will be able to determine the most suitable type of incision based on it.
