Breast Augmentation: Incision Placement

If you are considering breast augmentation and are concerned about the scar, Indianapolis Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Fata can help. Dr. Fata will explain the advantages of various incision and scar placements at your first consultation.

The incision is the opening made in the skin during surgery and it produces a scar. Therefore, choosing the location of the scar is important to getting the best result in your breast augmentation. Please call 317-575-9152 to schedule a consultation at Renaissance Plastic Surgery in Indianapolis today.

Breast Fold Incision in Breast Augmentation

The most commonly incision location in breast augmentation is the breast fold (infra-mammary fold). It is Dr. Fata’s preference for most of his breast augmentation patients in the Indianapolis, Indiana area because of several advantages:

• The scar is completely hidden.
• The breast fold incision can be used for silicone breast implants and saline breast implants in breast augmentation.
• The breast fold incision provides better access to the lower breast where the creation of the breast pocket (the space that will contain the breast implant) is most critical.
• In the unlikely event of a second procedure for a leak or contracture, the breast fold incision is recommended by most Indianapolis plastic surgeons.

Nipple Incision in Breast Augmentation

Another option for incision placement in breast augmentation is along the areola skin of the nipple (peri-areolar approach). This approach usually gives a favorable scar because it blends in with the areolar skin.

However, there are disadvantages:

• If the scar becomes dark or prominent, the nipple is not where you would want a scar.
• The peri-areolar incision is too small for a silicone breast implant.
• The peri-areolar incision is too small for secondary procedures if there is a problem.

Arm Pit (Trans-Axillary) Incision in Breast Augmentation

A third option for breast augmentation incision placement is the fold of the armpit (trans-axillary approach). This incision keeps the scar away from the breast, but there are several disadvantages:

• The scar lies cannot be covered in a sleeveless top or bathing suit.
• The trans-axillary approach creates a tunnel from the armpit to the breast pocket, and the breast implant sometimes “rides” back up this tunnel.
• The trans-axillary incision is too small for a silicone breast implant.

Trans-umbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA)

One last option for breast augmentation incision placement is the fold of the belly button (trans-umbilical breast augmentation or TUBA). This approach gives a scar that is far from the breast.

However, there are disadvantages:

• The breast implant must be inserted through a long telescopic tube called an endoscope. Visualization is limited, and therefore the final appearance is less predictable.
• If bleeding occurs during the breast augmentation, it is difficult to stop.
• This incision is too small to use with silicone breast implants.

There are many considerations in the choice of incision placement for breast augmentation . Dr. Fata prefers the breast fold incision in most cases because the scar is hidden, it can be used for all types of breast implants, and it is the incision of choice for any secondary procedures. Dr. Fata may recommend the peri-areolar incision for selected patients.

Schedule Your Appointment

Dr. Fata performs breast augmentation surgery on his patients in Indianapolis and Carmel, Indiana. To discuss incision placement and other details, please call Renaissance Plastic Surgery at 317-575-9152 or contact us online today. Dr. Fata serves patients throughout the Midwest.