Types of Breast Augmentation Incisions

For Houston women who are considering getting a breast augmentation, one of the most important choices they can make, besides implant size and shape, is the type of incision to use during the surgery. There are four breast augmentation incision types – periareolar, transaxillary, inframammary and trans-umbilical (TUBA), and each incision type has its own set of pros and cons. To help you make a decision for your Houston breast augmentation, we’ve written this blog post that explains each incision type.

The Periareolar Incision

The periareolar incision is when an incision is made in the darker colored skin along the areola, typically at the bottom of the areola. By placing the incision in the pink or brown skin of the areola, it is easier to hide scarring.

However, there are some negatives to a periareolar incision type of breast augmentation. First, it is possible for the scar to rise, becoming more noticeable on the areola. In addition, with the periareolar incision, it is possible, yet not common, to lose nipple sensitivity.

The Transaxillary Incision

The transaxillary incision is when an incision is made in the natural fold of the armpit, the implant is then placed through a channel into the breast pocket. During a transaxillary breast augmentation, an endoscope – a small tube with a light and a camera at the end – may be used to make it easier for the Houston breast augmentation plastic surgeon to navigate the breast implant to the breast pocket.

Many women like the transaxillary incision because it hides the scar in the underarm, and doesn’t leave any scarring on the breasts. However, there is a higher risk of asymmetrical breasts when using the transaxillary incision, so every Houston woman considering this incision will have to weigh the pros and cons for herself.

The Inframammary Incision

With an inframammary incision, your Houston plastic surgeon who is performing the breast augmentation will place an incision along the bottom crease of the breast, where the breast meets the rib cage. The implant is then slid into the implant pocket behind the nipple.

Plastic surgeons like the inframammary incision because its proximity to the breast pocket makes it easier to accurately place the breast implant, often resulting in a better breast augmentation result. However, some women are concerned about this incision type because it will leave scarring on the breast, even though the scar is typically hidden by a woman’s bra or bikini line.

Trans-Umbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA)

When a Houston woman chooses a TUBA incision, a tiny incision is placed in the belly button. The deflated breast implants are then pushed up to the breast implant pocket, where they are then inflated. During a TUBA incision, the breast augmentation plastic surgeon relies heavily on the endoscope to place the breast implant.

Many women love the TUBA incision because it hides the scarring in the belly button, making scarring virtually invisible. However, there are some drawbacks with this incision type. Because the implant is being inserted so far away from the breast, there is a higher risk for breast asymmetry with the TUBA incision.

Which Incision Type is Right for Me?

Only you can decide which incision type is right for you, but Houston breast augmentation plastic surgeons Dr. Fusi & Dr. Craig can answer all your questions and help guide you to your decision. Call them today for a consultation at (713) 346-9909.