Breast augmentation with implants is a popular way of restoring the shape and confidence. Along with choosing the type of implant suitable for each body type, surgeons also consider the type of incision that will be ideal for each patient.
There are five incision types that are normally used which include:
- Inframammary
- Periareolar
- Transaxillary
- Transumbilical or TUBA
- Transabdominal
Inframammary
The inframammary incision involves making an incision on the crease of the breast fold where the rib cage and the breast meet. After making the incision below the breasts, pockets are created by the surgeon to place the implant either below the chest muscle or over it. Because the incision is below the breast, there is better accessibility enabling dissection for placing the breast implant. Inframammary incisions are also associated with fewer complications as compared to other approaches, according to studies.
Periareolar
The periareolar incision involves making incisions around the nipples or areolar border. Because the incisions made in this approach are lesser than 5 cm, it is ideal for placing saline implants but not silicone gel implants, which need longer incisions. The approach is best suited for patients who need a breast lift and areolar reduction in addition to implant placement.
Transaxillary
This type of incision is made in the armpit by creating a channel from the armpit to the breasts to place the implant. The surgeon can use an endoscope to make the incisions, which can vary in length between 1 to 1.5 inches. The advantage of the approach is that there is no scar visible on the breast and the incisions do not disturb the areola, making it ideal for women who wish to breastfeed.
Transumbilical
The transumbilical breast augmentation incision (TUBA) involves making a C or J shaped incision within the belly button folds. These incisions are hidden in the belly button, which makes this approach a “scarless” one. The surgeon uses an endoscope, which is a flexible tube with a tiny camera attached. The camera sends the images to a screen so that the breast implant surgeon can precisely create the channels from the belly button to the breast for implant placement. Tissue expanders are used to create space for the implants. The TUBA approach is known to have a shorter recovery time and has fewer infection risks.
The approach is suitable for saline implants, which can be filled after placing them in the pockets. Silicone gels are pre-filled and are too big to be suitable for this approach.
Transabdominal
This approach involves making incisions through the “tummy tuck” or abdominoplasty incisions. The scars are not visible on the breast as the incisions are on the abdomen. Similar to the belly button placement, the surgeon uses an endoscope to create pockets through which the saline implants can be placed. This approach is typically used along with an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck. As with the belly button approach, silicone gels cannot be placed in this approach.
Consulting Dr. Lewis Albert Andres, who is a top breast augmentation surgeon, is the best way to understand which placement option is suitable for you.
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