Learn about the Right Implant and Breast Augmentation Incision Type for you By Jaime Perez on November 09, 2012

The appearance of breasts that are not the same size, misshapen, sagging, or small can be improved through breast augmentation. Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed in the United States today. If you desire larger, perkier breasts, you may be an ideal candidate for breast augmentation with breast implants. If you are unhappy with the feel, size, or shape of your breasts and desire to enhance your feminine contours, you may benefit from breast augmentation.

Once you have decided to undergo breast augmentation, you must choose a surgeon. While breast augmentation is common, it is major surgery. To ensure optimal results, you must find a qualified surgeon. Plastic surgeon Jaime Perez is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. His dedication to his patients and his passion for his work will leave you feeling confident that you have chosen the very best.

Breast Augmentation Incision Types

One of the most important and least talked about factors to consider when undergoing breast augmentation surgery is incision type. While you have probably spent a significant amount of time considering the size of your breast implants, you may not have considered the incision type. With each incision type there are advantages and disadvantages. The individual needs as well as the unique body contours of each patient determine the incision type that is best suited. Each breast augmentation is customized to the individual patient. While the goals of our Tampa plastic surgery patients may be similar, each patient is unique. The inframammary incision is among the most popular incision type for our Tampa breast augmentation patients. Two other incision types are the transaxillary incision and the periareolar incision.

Inframammary Incision

The inframammary incision is made along the natural crease of the breast. This “crease” or “fold” is where the breast and the chest come together. The incision is made close to the inframammary fold under the breast. Because this natural crease allows any resulting scar to be easily hidden by a swimsuit top or by a bra, it is one of the most commonly chosen incision types. Through the inframammary incision, breast implants may be placed above or below the chest muscle.

Transaxillary Incision

The transaxillary incision (under the arm) is made in the armpit. Because the transaxillary incision is made under the arm, it eliminates any risk of scarring on the actual breast. Although scarring is generally hidden using this method, the placement of silicone breast implants through these tiny incisions is more difficult. This incision type can be more difficult to perform than other breast augmentation techniques. One downside to transaxillary incision is that it cannot be used again if revision surgery is required in the future.

Periareolar Incision

Periareolar incision places the incision in the skin located near the areola of the breast. One of the greatest advantages of this incision type is that most scars heal well. Periareolar incision does carry a higher risk of infection than other incision types. Both saline and silicone breast implants may be used with this incision type. Submuscular and subglandular placement may also be used.