What Are the Different Types of Breast Implant Incisions?
How Surgeons Choose the Best Type of Breast Implant Incisions
In addition to choosing the size, shape, material, profile (height), and placement of your breast implants – you and your plastic surgeon must determine the best type of incision for your unique surgery.
Each type of breast implant incision has its own set of advantages and considerations, and the choice depends on factors such as the patient’s anatomy, implant type and size, the surgeon’s preference, the patient’s aesthetic goals, and the overall desired outcome. Consulting with a top board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali in the West Bloomfield area is essential to determine the most suitable incision approach based on your individual needs and goals.
Dr. Ali has performed thousands of breast implants, and he takes every step possible to create the most attractive breast shape with the very least amount of scarring possible. He will strategically place your incisions – while making them as small as possible – to achieve the desired result.
However, keep in mind that because breast implants are a surgery, no matter what technique is used, some degree of scarring is inevitable. Dr. Ali’s goal is to keep any incision as small and inconspicuous as possible – but ultimately the most important decision about your incision size and location is creating the most beautiful breast shape.
Choosing the Right Breast Implant Incisions
Choosing the right incision is an important decision that will be made by your plastic surgeon, based upon many factors including the type and size of implant, the increase in size from your current breasts, the amount of available breast tissue, the amount and condition of the skin, and whether the implant will be placed above or beneath the chest muscle.
Top West Bloomfield area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali will carefully answer your questions and thoroughly explain your incision options during your consultation.
Remember, while everyone’s skin heals differently, breast implant scarring typically fades considerably over time. However, like any surgical scars, they will never goes away completely. The vast majority of women feel that the “trade-off’ of having small scars is worth it, in order to achieve the breast look, size, shape and feel that they desire.
Types of Breast Implant Incisions
There are several types of incisions used in breast implant surgery, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. Here are the most common types of breast implant incisions along with their differences, applications, and advantages:
1. Peri-Areolar Breast Implant Incision
The peri-areolar breast implant incision is sometimes called the “nipple incision”, because it is made right where the darker skin of the areola meets the lighter skin of the breast. This is one of the most commonly used incisions in breast implant surgery. It is suitable for both silicone gel implants and saline implants, particularly in patients with well-defined areolar borders, and for those requiring areolar resizing or simultaneous breast lift (mastopexy).
Nipple incisions can be used in sub-glandular, sub-pectoral, or sub-muscular placement of the implant. (CLICK HERE to read more about breast implant placement.) The scarring “outlines” the areola, blending-in with the natural change in flesh pigment. And in the unlikely event of a complication or additional surgery, the implant can be inserted, removed, or adjusted through the same incision.
The advantage of peri-areolar breast implant incision is that it allows for precise placement of the implant while minimizing visible scarring, as the incision blends with the natural color transition of the areola. This type pf breast implant incision also provides access to the breast pocket for both subglandular and submuscular placement of implants. And it can be combined with areolar (nipple) resizing for improved symmetry and aesthetics.
2. Inframammary Fold Breast Implant Incision
The inframammary fold breast implant incision is made in the crease under the breast. This allows the fullness of the breast to cover any scarring. It is ideal for both saline and silicone gel implants, as well as for primary breast augmentation, revision surgeries, and breast lifts. It is a very common incision used for breast implants, and can be used for sub-glandular, sub-pectoral, or sub-muscular placement of the implant.
The advantage of the inframammary fold breast implant incision is that it provides direct access to the breast pocket, allowing for precise implant placement and adjustment. And, because the incision is concealed within the natural crease of the breast, it minimizes visible scarring.
When increasing breast size considerably, however, the plastic surgeon typically must create a new crease so that the nipple is centered on the new, larger breast. For this reason a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali who has performed thousands of breast augmentations should be chosen, to ensure proper placement of the new crease.
3. Transaxillary Breast Implant Incision
Transaxillary breast implant incisions are made in in the natural crease of the armpit (axilla) – rather than the breast – to achieve no breast scarring at all. This is a much more complex and difficult incision that leaves only a tiny scar in the armpit that is virtually impossible to see.
Once the incision is made in the fold of the armpit, a channel is cut going down to the breast (see image below). The breast implant is inserted into the channel and worked downwards into position. Sometimes an endoscope (a small surgical camera on the end of a tube) will be used by the cosmetic surgeon during this procedure.
However, positioning the breast properly from farther away makes placement more difficult. For this reason a skilled and experienced board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali should be chosen, to ensure proper positioning of the breast.
The advantages of transaxillary breast implant incisions are the minimizing of visible scarring on the breast itself, as the incision is located in the armpit. This incision also avoids interference with breast tissue, reducing the risk of affecting breastfeeding and nipple sensation.
Transaxillary breast implant incisions primarily used for saline implants placed behind the chest muscle (submuscular), particularly in patients who prefer to avoid breast incisions or who have certain specific anatomical considerations.
The disadvantage to a transaxillary breast implant incision is that if a complication occurs requiring revision or removal, the plastic surgeon will typically have to make a new nipple or crease incision. This is because it’s very rare that a transaxillary incision can be reused.
Top Breast Implant Surgeon | West Bloomfield Area
Each type of breast implant incision has its own set of advantages and considerations, and the choice depends on factors such as your anatomy, implant type and size, available skin and tissue, the plastic surgeon’s preferred technique, and the patient’s appearance goals. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the most suitable incision approach based on your unique, individual needs and goals.
Dr. Ali is a top board certified plastic surgeon who has performed breast implants on thousands of women in Birmingham, Troy, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills and across Oakland County and the Detroit area. He will be happy to offer you a consultation to answer all of your questions, and help you choose the best breast implant size, shape, material, position, and incision type for your body type and appearance goals.
