Breast Augmentation: What Are My Incision Options?

How noticeable is the scarring? This is one of the most commonly asked questions and feared topics among potential plastic surgery patients. Many women fear undergoing breast augmentation due to scarring; however, there are a variety of incision techniques available that can help minimize their appearance.

Visible scarring is not only aesthetically displeasing, but can take away from the results of the surgery as well as cause emotional distress. While there is still no method that can guarantee a scar-less procedure, many skilled surgeons have developed new incision approaches that can help camouflage and reduce the appearance of scarring.

For women considering breast augmentation, incision options are better than ever, leaving patients more confident and satisfied with their results. Although the placement of breast implants and type of implant will effect which options are available to you, many surgeons can find a reasonable compromise that will satisfy most patient's aesthetic desires.

One of the more popular incisions is around the areola of the breast. This is a popular choice among both cosmetic surgeons and women because it blends well with the natural color borders. Results will vary with individuals depending on skin color and subsequent scar discoloration. Initially, scarring is often white and highly noticeable but will fade and camouflage over time.

The transaxillary breast augmentation incision option is the only method that guarantees no scarring of the breast. This incision is created in the armpit and the implants are then placed either by endoscope or a skilled surgical hand.

The benefit of this choice is that even if you are prone to developing visible scars, they can be easily hidden with clothing and few people will connect a scar beneath the arms with breast augmentation surgery. On the downside, if you need a revision surgery for any reason, it will most likely be necessary to use a different site, creating more scarring.

The most commonly used breast augmentation option among plastic surgeons is insertion through the crease. The crease, or inframammary fold, falls just below the breast where a horizontal incision is placed. Surgeons must predict where the larger breasts will fall in order to hit the crease correctly.

Most skilled surgeons are able to successfully blend this kind of incision within the natural contours of the body, leaving scars nearly invisible. This location is suitable for virtually all kinds of implant placement as well as revisions.

The latest incision technique is less commonly used; however there are a handful of cosmetic surgeons who specialize in this specific kind of procedure. The TUBA or navel incision is created at the edge of the belly button. The empty implants are then inserted by endoscope by tunneling upwards towards the breast and are then filled. Plastic surgeons using this location are working at a great distance from the breasts, which can lead to improper placement or other risks; however, it also results in the least scarring.

Although there is no way to predict how individuals will scar, patients with a history of keloids of other highly visible forms of scar tissue should consult with their plastic surgeon. Consider the benefits and risks of each incision, as well as your size and placement preference in order to determine which method is right for you.