Every breast augmetation requires a one-of-a-kind approach. Together with Dr. Sayed, we can build a treatment plan perfectly catered to your anatomy, goals, age, skin type, and lifestyle. With so many variables to choose from, making your implant type, placement, and incision decision can seem daunting–but you’re not alone.
We’ll work with you to ensure you are fully informed and confident in whatever decision is right for you. When it comes to incision placement, generally Dr. Sayed recommends patients choose between three approaches:
- Inframammary Incision
- Areolar or Periareolar Incision
- Transaxillary Incision
Below, we’ve gone into detail about each incision placement, who it works for, and any associated pros and cons. Every placement isn’t suitable for every implant type, so often, the choice is narrowed down during your initial consultation. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Your Breast Incision Options with Dr. Sayed
When it comes to breast enhancement, the “right” choice for one patient can look very different from another. No matter what you decide on, though, Dr. Sayed’s goals will be the same: to provide a symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing enhancement with minimal easy-to-conceal scarring.
So, what makes each incision placement different?
Inframammary Incision
Inframammary incisions are the most popular surgical approach to breast enhancement. During this procedure, Dr. Sayed will place his incision under the “crease” of the breasts. In most cases, even breasts of moderate volume entirely conceal any scarring.
Dr. Sayed also appreciates this method’s very high degree of control as he positions your implant. It also offers patients the chance to easily hide their incision site without any risk of losing nipple sensation. Furthermore, if you require any additional breast surgeries down the line, surgeons can use this same incision site, which will not add any scarring.
The only potential “issue” is that, on certain women, scarring may be visible, often when lying down.
Areolar or Periareolar Incision
As for Areolar or periareolar incisions, these are placed either encircling the outer edge of the nipple (areola) or in a semi-circle around the bottom half of the nipple (periareolar). After creating the incision, Dr. Sayed inserts the implant through the opening.
The small opening tends to have a very successful and quick healing process, and scarring tends to be almost invisible. The natural texture and color of the nipple often conceal the incision site, and if there is any visible scarring, you can hide it with clothing. This incision placement also provides Dr. Sayed with a high degree of precision in implant placement and can be used in any additional breast surgeries in the future.
This incision may not be concealable for patients who have small nipples. This approach also poses some risk of complicating breastfeeding because it involves milk ducts. Patients also face a risk of losing nipple sensation, as Dr. Sayed will need to sever the nerves to complete this technique. Finally, in a minority of patients, areola scarring may become discolored, raised, and visibly noticeable.
Transaxillary Incision
Transaxillary incisions are located in the crease of the armpit. This is an ideal option for patients who prefer saline implants, have not had prior breast augmentation, and who do not require a breast lift. If you meet these requirements, Dr. Sayed can create a very small incision in the armpit, and insert your implant into the resulting pocket in the chest wall. After placement, your implant is filled with saline solution.
Patients sometimes opt for this approach thanks to its easy-to-hide scars. If you’re hoping to avoid scarring on or near your breasts entirely, transaxillary incision placement could be right for you. It also poses no risks in terms of loss of nipple sensation or challenges breastfeeding.
Transaxillary incisions do, however, come with some downsides, primarily a lower degree of precise control when placing the implant. Some patients also report that armpit scars are visible when wearing tops without sleeves, and may make shaving more difficult. A small number of patients also experience loss of sensation surrounding the incision.
As opposed to the other techniques listed, transaxillary incisions cannot be reused in future surgeries, so if you require any, you would require an additional incision and more scarring. While some patients prefer this approach due to the absence of a scar on the breast, there are limitations on who is a good candidate. Dr. Sayed can discuss this during the consultation.
Schedule a Consultation
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular, efficient, and safe surgical procedures around the globe. The best way to determine which technique, implant type, size, and placement is right for you is to schedule an in-person consultation at our San Diego office.
During this initial meeting, we can discuss all of the options available to you and help build a treatment plan to achieve your goals. Please give us a call at 1-858-24SAYED (1-858-247-2933) or contact us online today to schedule your consultation.
