Breast Implants

There are various reasons why you may choose to get breast implants: This is typically for cosmetic, reconstructive, gender affirmative, or corrective purposes.

  • Cosmetic purposes: You may opt for breast implants to enhance the appearance of your breasts and improve your body image. This is often the case for those who feel self-conscious about the size or shape of their breasts, or who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.
  • Reconstructive purposes: Breast implants can also be used for reconstructive purposes after breast cancer surgery or other conditions that may result in breast tissue loss.
  • Gender affirmative: For gender transition purposes male to female (MtF)
  • Correcting asymmetry: You may have asymmetrical breasts, where one breast is noticeably larger or smaller than the other. Breast implants can help to correct this asymmetry and provide a more symmetrical appearance.

Types of Breast Implant Incisions

There are four common types of incisions used for breast implant surgery:

  1. Inframammary incision: This incision is made along the crease where the breast meets the chest wall. It is the most commonly used incision for breast augmentation surgery.
  2. Periareolar incision: This incision is made around the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple). It is often used for breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction surgeries.
  3. Transaxillary incision: This incision is made in the armpit and is often used for saline-filled implants.
  4. Transumbilical incision: This incision is made in the belly button and is only used for the insertion of saline implants through an endoscope.

Breast Implant Incisions – Advantages and Disadvantages

Each type of breast implant incision has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are discussed below:

  1. Inframammary incision: Advantages:

  • Provides direct access to the breast implant pocket for accurate placement and positioning of the implant.
  • Allows the surgeon to make adjustments to the implant pocket during the surgery.
  • Has a low risk of damaging the breast tissue or nipple.
  • Can be used for various types of breast implant surgeries, including augmentation, lift, and reconstruction.

Disadvantages:

  • Leaves a visible scar on the underside of the breast.
  • May cause temporary numbness or loss of sensation in the breast or nipple area.
  • May require a longer recovery period compared to other types of incisions.

  1. Periareolar incision: Advantages:

  • Provides good access to the breast tissue for accurate placement of the implant.
  • Allows the surgeon to perform additional procedures, such as a breast lift or reduction, at the same time.
  • The scar is well-concealed along the border of the areola.

Disadvantages:

  • May increase the risk of complications, such as infection and implant displacement.
  • Can cause temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation or breastfeeding ability.
  • May require additional time for proper healing of the incision site.

  1. Transaxillary incision: Advantages:

  • Leaves no visible scar on the breast.
  • Has a lower risk of complications compared to other types of incisions.
  • Provides good access to the breast tissue for accurate placement of the implant.

Disadvantages:

  • Requires specialized training and equipment for the surgeon.
  • May not be suitable for all types of breast implants.
  • May cause temporary numbness or nerve damage in the armpit area.

  1. Transumbilical incision: Advantages:

  • Leaves no visible scar on the breast.
  • Has a lower risk of complications compared to other types of incisions.
  • Provides good access to the breast tissue for accurate placement of the implant.

Disadvantages:

  • Can only be used for the insertion of saline implants.
  • May not be suitable for all patients or implant types.
  • May require additional time for proper healing of the incision site.

It’s important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each incision type with your surgeon, as they can help determine which incision will best meet your individual needs and preferences.

Most Common Incision

The most common breast implant incision is the inframammary incision. It is preferred by many surgeons because it allows for more direct and precise placement of the implant and provides good access to the surgical site. Additionally, this incision is associated with a lower risk of complications such as implant malposition or interference with breastfeeding. However, the choice of incision type ultimately depends on the individual patient’s anatomy, preference, and surgeon’s recommendation.