As the technology, practice and methods of plastic surgery have evolved, so have the number of different breast augmentation options available. The incision type your surgeon uses when performing your augmentation can determine any scarring and even affect your overall breast implant results.
-
Inframammary Incision
The inframammary incision is in many ways the optimum incision placement for achieving the best breast augmentation results. Hidden in the natural crease where the underside of the breast meets the ribs, this incision allows for straightforward access to the breast pocket, enabling more accurate implant placement. One additional benefit of the procedure is that this access point can be reused in case of breast implant revision to prevent further scarring.
-
Periareolar Incision
The periareolar incision is made around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple) to create an opening for breast implant placement. Periareolar incisions offer the benefit of minimal visible scarring, since the pigmented skin of the areolas helps to camouflage the incision site.
-
Transaxillary Incision
A transaxillary incision is placed in the armpit. The advantage of this incision is that it results in no scarring on the breasts themselves, but due to the distance between the incision and the breast pocket, it can be harder for the surgeon to achieve proper implant placement.
A Word on TUBA
Transumbilical breast augmentation, or TUBA, is a more rarely used incision technique for breast enhancement. The TUBA incision is made around the rim of the belly button, and implants are inserted from the navel up to the breast pocket with the help of an endoscope. TUBA provides the benefit of leaving behind no visible scarring on the breasts, but greatly limits visibility and access for the surgeon, which makes accurate placement of the implants much more difficult.
Dr. Scot Martin concentrates on breast enhancement and body contouring at his practice in Las Cruces, New Mexico. A nationally recognized plastic surgeon, Dr. Martin is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
He looks forward to meeting you and helping you become the best version of yourself possible.
