What type of incision should I choose for my breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation Sydney

Once a woman has decided that breast augmentation is right for her, there are several more choices that she will need to make. These include the type of implant, the size of the implants, and whether to place it under or over the muscle. Another of the choices is where to have the incisions, which will determine where the scars will be. There are three main options, which are all offered here for patients undergoing breast augmentation Sydney with A/Prof. Marucci.

What are the possibilities? What should you consider as you’re making the decision?

Inframammary incisions

The inframammary incision is placed in the breast fold at the bottom of the breast, where it meets the chest wall. This incision offers excellent access for the surgeon to create the breast implant pocket, so it gives A/Prof. Marucci the ability to create precise placement of the implants, particularly when they are being placed in the subglandular position (above the muscle). In general, once the incision has healed, it will be well hidden and generally not very noticeable. However, it isn’t always possible to predict exactly where the new breast fold will be after the implants are placed, particularly for women who are undergoing a significant size change. Because of this, some women end up with the scar being located along the bottom of the breast itself instead of in the fold.

Transaxillary incisions

The transaxillary incision is made in the armpit, and then the surgeon opens the breast implant pocket from the side in order to place the implants. Most women who choose this incision do so because it avoids leaving any scars on the breast itself. The scars are generally hidden in the folds of skin in the armpit, though it may be possible to see them when raising the arms while wearing a sleeveless top or swimsuit.

When implants are being placed under the muscle, the transaxillary incision allows good visualization of this space. For implants being placed above the muscle, an inframammary incision may allow for a more precise placement of the implant. Additionally, because the transaxillary incision is usually very small, it’s best for placing saline implants, which can be inserted while empty and then filled inside of the breast. Saline implants are rarely used for breast augmentation in Australia.

A/Prof Marucci finds that the ability to visualise the lower limit of the dissection and accurately position the breast implant is much harder with a trans-axillary approach. Also, should there be any need for revisional surgery another day, the axillary incision can’t generally be re-used and an infra-mammary fold incision is used.

Periareolar incisions

The periareolar incision is located at the edge of the areola, which is the dark circle of skin around the nipple. Because there’s already a natural border here, after healing the incisions will tend to be hidden along that border. Some women don’t like the look of their areolas, and choose to have them reduced in size along with the breast augmentation procedure; for these women, the periareolar incision can avoid having a second incision on each breast. However, it’s important to take into consideration that this approach carries the highest risk of interfering with a woman’s ability to breastfeed a baby in the future, which may be important for those who might want a family one day. There is also a higher risk of implant infection with periareolar incisions. As with the trans-axillary approach, if you require revisional surgery another day for whatever reason, generally an inframammary fold approach is needed.

Putting it all together, you will read about many different options for the placement of scars in breast augmentation surgery. A/Prof Marucci believes that the infra-mammary fold approach gives the best access to place an implant accurately, and decreases the risk of requiring revisional surgery later. Should revisional surgery be required for any reason, the infra-mammary fold incision can simply be used again.

Making your incision choice for your breast augmentation Sydney

To learn more about your options for breast augmentation, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Marucci. He can offer personalized advice based on your situation and your goals, and can answer any questions that you may have as you’re making your decision. With offices in both Kogarah and Miranda, we are conveniently located for those around the greater Sydney area. Please contact our office if you’d like to schedule a consultation.