Plastic Surgery Madison

Choosing Your Breast Augmentation Incision Type

May 10th, 2016

Augmentation mammoplasty, or breast augmentation surgery, involves a surgeon surgically placing breast implants into a woman’s breasts to improve their symmetry, increase fullness, and restore breast volume. If you’re optimistic, in good health, and have realistic expectations, you’re likely an ideal candidate for breast augmentation..

According to a May 2013 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery published article, 98 percent of women were satisfied with their breast augmentation results.

Your breast augmentation procedure requires a few decisions on your part, including the type of implant and incision location. The type of breast augmentation incision that’s right for you is a personal decision that depends on a number of factors including:

  • Your anatomy.
  • Type of implant you chose.
  • The degree of enlargement.
  • Surgeon preference for your particular situation.

At Madison Cosmetic Surgery,  Dr. Clifford King, MD, P.h.D. uses three main types of incisions for breast implants which include:

  • Transaxillary (under the arm).
  • Areolar or Periareolar (around the edge of nipple or around the areola).
  • Inframammary (beneath the breast).

Any scars from the breast augmentation procedure are very discrete and concealed. You can hide them with your clothes. If you’re concerned with the scars being visible without clothing, you might want to discuss having the transaxillary incision since the incision is located in the armpit.

Regardless of the type of incision you choose, all types heal well and are usually inconspicuous. Shopping for a few items before your breast surgery will help make your recovery comfortable too.

Types of Breast Augmentation Incisions

When it comes to the location of your breast augmentation incision, there are three primary options for you to consider. Here is more detail about each of them.

1. Transaxillary

This incision is made in the armpit in the natural fold tissue. A channel is created from the armpit to the breast and the surgeon places the implant behind your nipple. In some cases, an endoscope (surgical light and camera attached to a small tube) is used for guiding the surgeon through the incision. Your breasts have virtually no scars since the procedure is done from a distant incision area.

2. Periareolar

With this approach, the incision is created around the outline of your areola (the pink or brown-colored area that surrounds your nipple). The goal of this incision is to cut between the surrounding skin of your areola and the dark area which helps lessen the visibility of the incision. This gives the surgeon more control over the implant’s position, leading to more accuracy of the placement of the implant and minimal scarring.

3. Inframammary

This incision is made along the bottom of your breast along the fold or crease where your skin and breast come together. A pocket is created by the surgeon for placing the implant and he then slides it through the incision area upwards and places it behind your nipple. Although this type of incision can leave a scar on the lower part of your breast where the strap of your bra lies, you can hide it easily underneath your bra. This makes it easier for the surgeon to work more close to your breast, providing him with better accuracy and visibility of the placement of the implants.

Working with Your Surgeon to Come up with a Decision

It is important that you sit down with Dr. King and let him know exactly what you are looking for and the type of incision you desire. This will help him plan the augmentation surgery so you get the results you are looking for. When successfully performed by a skilled surgeon, this procedure can have a substantial positive influence on your overall body image.

When you come in for your initial consultation, you will talk with Dr. King about your cosmetic goals for your breast enlargement.  Dr. King will discuss with you if you are an ideal candidate for breast augmentation and explain to you the pros and cons of the procedure and incision types.

Dr. King combines surgical expertise with a keen artistic eye to give you results that are beautiful and natural looking.

Contact Our Madison, WI Cosmetic Surgery Practice

To schedule a breast augmentation (enlargement) consultation with Dr. Clifford King, M.D., P.h. D., contact us through our online form or by phone at 608-821-4004 or toll free at 866-669-9474.

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