Breast Augmentation

Orlando and Winter Park, Florida

Incision Options

The location of breast implant incisions is mostly a personal preference, but partly it also depends on what type of breast implant you'll be having. There are two types of breast implants: silicone gel and saline.

Silicone gel breast implants many times are softer and more natural looking. Until recently, the FDA restricted their use to those who have had surgery for breast cancer, and to those who have had a severe breast injury, a birth defect affecting their breasts, or some medical condition that causes a severe abnormality. They have recently been re-approved for all uses as they have been found to be safe and this option should be discussed with your surgeon.

Since silicone breast implants are pre-filled and the amount of gel is not adjustable, their incision has to be a little larger. The firmness (capsular contracture) rate is also slightly higher with these breast implants vs. saline.

Saline breast implants are also commonly used. The incisions are smaller to insert this implant as an unfilled implant can be rolled up and inserted through a smaller incision.

Four Possible Incision Locations

The choices are: in the armpit, just under the breast crease, around the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple), or in the belly button. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Axillary (armpit) incision

This choice leaves a scar only an inch or so long which can only be seen if you raise your arms. It's a little more complex procedure, because the plastic surgeon's visibility is not ideal.

Inframammary crease (breast crease) incision

This is a popular choice and causes no subsequent difficulty with breastfeeding. It affords easy access for the surgeon. It's a good location if you'll be having a breast lift at the same time. The scar is hardly noticeable as it is usually hidden in the crease under the breast.

Peri-areolar incision

This is also a popular choice. The incision is a small semi-circle shape on the lower edge of the areola and results in a hardly visible scar, because the changes of skin coloration and texture camouflage it well.

The downside is that there's a greater chance of subsequent difficulty with breastfeeding and either loss or change of sensation to the nipple.

Transumbilical (belly button) incision

This TUBA incision (trans-umbilical breast augmentation) is the least popular choice. The incision is a little curve inside the belly button and only this one incision is needed to insert both implants. The surgeon creates a tunnel up to the breasts, which means that only an inflatable, smooth-surfaced saline implant can be used. It's usually set in the sub-glandular position (over the muscle). This option leaves no scar on the breast.

The downside is that this procedure is more complicated. The implant has to be moved a considerable distance, from the incision to behind the breast tissue. This makes it harder for the surgeon to position it correctly and may result in the left and right sides looking a little different.

In making the decision of where the incision should go, it's essential to discuss with your plastic surgeon all the pros and cons of each cosmetic surgery option. Dr. Greenberg will take all the time necessary and will listen to what your own preferences and fears are too, so the best decision can be made for your particular circumstances.

To learn more about your breast implant incision options or to schedule your breast augmentation consultation, please call or e-mail Orlando plastic surgeon Dr. Greenberg today. Dr. Greenberg serves cosmetic surgery patients in Orlando and Winter Park, Florida.