One of the decisions you and your surgeon will make before your breast augmentation is the type of incision to be used during the procedure. The incision will serve as the entry point for your breast implant and will likely leave a scar, so it’s important that you discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the different incisions with your surgeon.

There are several types of incisions used for breast augmentation procedures. These include:

– Inframammary fold – The inframammary fold is where the breast naturally creases at the chest wall. Incisions at this location are favored by both surgeons and patients because scars are usually hidden in the breast creases. The inframammary fold incision also allows a surgeon to place implants above or below the chest muscles. Additionally, an inframammary fold incision can benefit a patient requiring a revision breast augmentation, if it was used in the original procedure. The existing incision can simply be reopened, eliminating the possibility of more scarring.

– Periareolar incision – This incision is made just below the areola, or the area of colored skin that surrounds the nipple. The periareolar incision is another popular choice among patients because scarring is typically invisible in the darker skin. It is also commonly used during mastopexy procedures, or breast lifts. However, one of the risks associated with this type of incision is infection. The breast ducts harbor bacteria and a surgeon must cut into this area to create a periareolar incision. If the incision is made poorly, bacteria from the breast ducts can spread into the breast implant pocket. To lower the risk of infection, most surgeons use a protective sleeve between the implants and the breast ducts.

– Trans-axillary – This incision is made in the armpit area. Scarring is generally hidden within the folds of the armpit, and implants can be placed above or below the muscle. Since this incision is made further away from the breast than an inframammary fold or periareolar incision, the procedure can be slightly more difficult to complete successfully, so finding a highly experienced surgeon is essential.

– Trans-umbilical – A trans-umbilical breast augmentation, or TUBA, requires an incision in the navel, or belly button. Like a trans-axillary incision, performing a breast augmentation using a trans-umbilical incision can be more difficult than a procedure using an incision directly on the breast. A TUBA procedure typically requires an endoscope, or camera, and tiny surgical tools to clear a tunnel through the tissues between the navel and the breast. A trans-umbilical incision can only be used with saline implants that are filled after placement.

Thoroughly research these types of breast augmentation incisions and discuss your options with an experienced plastic surgeon. Doing so can help you to clearly define your appearance goals, and assist you in making informed decisions about your breast enlargement prior to your procedure. Keep in mind that your surgeon may recommend one of these incisions over another, depending on your body type and unique needs.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including http://bayshoreplasticsurgery.com/ breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

Author Bio: Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

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