When planning your breast augmentation, you’ll have quite a few options to consider. Once you’ve found the right cosmetic surgeon for your procedure, sit down with them and discuss your various options, including the different breast augmentation incision types and which may be right for you.
You might find it helpful to do a little research on your own before your consultation. This guide will explain the four basic incision options and why you may or may not want to consider each one.
1. Inframammary
The inframammary incision is one of the more common breast augmentation incision types. This technique creates incisions that follow the natural crease beneath your breasts. One of the main advantages of this incision type is that it allows for a relatively large “pocket” through which your cosmetic surgeon can insert and place your implants with precision.
A skilled cosmetic surgeon will create these incisions so that they can be easily hidden under a bikini top or bra. But some women prefer other incision placements that do not leave a visible scar on the breasts themselves.
2. Periareolar
The type of breast implants you choose can help to determine the best incision placement location for your procedure.Another popular breast augmentation incision option is the periareolar incision, which traces a semi-circle along the lower half of each areola. The primary advantage of the periareolar incision is that it does not leave a scar on your breasts, and the small incision along the areolas tends to blend in very well with the surrounding pigmented skin.
However, not everyone is a good candidate for this technique. For women with very small areola diameters, there may not be enough space to create a large enough incision to insert breast implants, specially shaped silicone implants.
Women who wish to breastfeed in the future may also want to consider different incision techniques, as there may be a slight risk of milk duct interference with this option.
3. Transaxillary
The transaxillary incision is less common than the first two options. This incision is placed in your armpit area, so you won’t have any scarring on your breasts at all. However, this pocket makes it much more difficult to precisely place your implants. You will likely see better results sticking with the inframammary or periareolar technique.
4. TUBA
This incision type, which stands for “transumbilical breast augmentation,” is quite rare and most cosmetic surgeons prefer not to use it. This technique involves creating a small incision in the upper edge of your belly button. Unfilled breast implants are then blindly placed through that incision. Once in place, the implants can be filled with a sterile saline solution. Because silicone implants come pre-filled, the TUBA incision is not a possibility using this technique.
Another limitation of both the TUBA and transaxillary incisions is that you can’t combine a breast lift with your augmentation using these techniques.
How Do I Choose a Breast Augmentation Incision Type?
Once you have a basic understanding of your incision placement options, sit down with your cosmetic surgeon to discuss the most appropriate options for your needs. The right choice for you will not necessarily be the best choice for someone else, as each breast enhancement procedure needs to be custom-tailored to fit your natural body shape and your goals.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
