Painless Breast Implants

Areolar/Periareolar Incision

This approach involves placing an incision in a semi-circle at the lower half of the areola (periareolar). The implant is then inserted through the opening and placed into position.

Areolar/Periareolar Incision Advantages

The benefits to this kind of approach are numerous: the openings are typically small and heal well, creating a well-concealed or nearly invisible scar that blends in with the color and texture variations of the areola itself. Remember, if you cut your lip it heals really well. If you cut your cheek, you see a visible scar. The prei-areolar incision is more like the lip. Usually, the scar is barely visible, and any remaining scar tissue is visible only without clothing.

Because of the central location, during surgery the surgeon can easily and precisely position each implant so that it is placed in the most attractive location. Future breast surgeries can be performed from the same opening.

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Inframammary Incision

The inframammary approach, often called the crease incision, was the first approach for breast enhancement surgery. The opening is created in the crease under the breast, called the inframammary fold, where the breast meets the chest wall. In most women, breasts of even moderate volume will conceal this crease, when standing. However, when lying down or in a bikini, this incision can be very visible.  The surgeon creates an opening along the fold under the breast, forms a pocket, and then places and positions the implant.

Inframammary Incision Advantages

Some plastic surgeons prefer this approach because it is easier to place and position the breast implant. Many patients prefer it because they believe that this approach does not affect nipple sensation, and they do not have to worry about whether they will experience breastfeeding complications after the surgery. Both of these concerns should be discussed with Dr. Studin and often they are not a factor to worry about.

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Transaxillary Incision

The transaxillary approach requires placing an incision in the crease of the armpit. For women who have not had prior breast enhancement, do not need a breast lift, and prefer a saline implant, this can be used for breast augmentation incision placement. The surgeon creates a small incision in the armpit and then forms a pocket in the chest wall for each implant. The implant is filled with saline after it has been placed in the chest pocket. It si not appropriate for silicone implants.

Transaxillary Incision Advantages

Some patients ask for this approach because they do not want any scarring on or near their breasts.

Transaxillary Incision Disadvantages

The cons of this procedure relate to the fact that the surgeon cannot directly visualize or feel the breast tissue, resulting in less control and precision when placing the implant. In addition, some patients have noted that the armpit scar is visible when wearing sleeveless tops and can make shaving more difficult. MOST IMPORTANTLY, the nerve that supplies feeling to the nipples goes right through the armpit and loss of nipple sensation following this surgery is a significant concern.

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Transumbilical Incision

The Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA) or Belly Button Incision is made on the upper-inside edge of your belly button. From there, empty, rolled-up implants are pushed through a tube up to the breasts and inflated once they've been positioned.

Transumbilical Incision Advantages

The primary benefit of the transumbilical incision is that the scar is hidden in the navel, so you can't see it.

Transumbilical Incision Disadvantages

That said, there are a number of negatives involved with transumbilical incisions. For one, the surgeon has to control the procedure from the belly button area-far away from the breasts-which makes it difficult to position the implants. Furthermore, the implants cannot be filled until after they've been inserted, so you can only use saline implants. These two facts make it much more difficult to achieve natural-looking results with the TUBA incision. It also alters the fold under the breasts which can make them look unnatural.

Book a consultation with Dr. Studin today to learn more about which is best for you.

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