Breast Implant Incision Options
for Breast Augmentation
Chicago & Arlington Heights, Illinois
Women seeking breast augmentation have several options regarding where the incisions will be made. Depending on your pre-operative breast size and shape, your physique, previous surgery, and level of physical activity, Dr. Placik will make a recommendation on what he believes will be the best choice for an incision.
Inframammary
Inframammary incisions are made in the fold below the breast. A one inch incision is made for saline implants and a two inch incision for silicone implants. Inframammary incisions are best for silicone implants. They need a larger incision because they come from the manufacturer pre-filled.
A pocket is then made either behind the breast or behind the pectoral muscle. Placement is either subglandular, between the chest muscle and breast tissue, or submuscular, below the chest muscle. Dr. Placik then inserts the implant into the pocket. Placing the implant below the breast rather than through the breast means that interference with lactation or nursing is less likely to occur.
The inframammary incision is the most popular one, used in 80 percent of surgeries. It has the lowest incidence of complications and takes less time than other incision procedures. Many scientists and cosmetic surgeons believe this results in a lower incidence of contamination and biofilm.
One disadvantage of this type of incision is that there may be a scar visible under the breast. However, ninety percent heal with scars that are not very noticeable.
Periareolar
Periareolar incisions are made at the margin of the areola and the breast skin. Implants are inserted and then adjusted for symmetry.
This incision can be used for those who have average size areolas (3.5 centimeters) who are getting silicone implants. This is because silicone implants are full when they come from the manufacturers, so the incision size must be large enough to place them.
There may be a higher risk of biofilm formation and capsular contraction. If you have a high risk of keloid of hypertrophic scarring, this is the best incision location.
Axillary
Axillary incisions are made through a crease in the armpit. Dr. Placik may insert an endoscope for those who want saline implants. An endoscope is a long tube with a light and camera attached. It is connected to a computer so that Dr. Placik can see what he's doing on the computer's monitor. The narrowness of the endoscope allows for a small incision, in which saline implants are inserted empty and then filled afterward.
While there is no scarring on the breast area with this type of incision, it may be more uncomfortable in the post-operative recovery period, and is difficult to perform for silicone implants. A scar may be visible if you wear a bathing suit or tank top.
If you are interested in breast implants and would like to know more about which incision option is best for you, please contact Dr. Placik to set up an initial consultation.
Visit our FAQs section to find out more about breast enlargement
For more information on breast enlargement and how
it can improve your figure, call Dr. Otto Placik at (847) 398-1660
or (312) 787-5313, or contact us online. We offer breast augmentation surgery and various other cosmetic
surgery procedures to patients in the Arlington Heights and
Chicago, Illinois area.
 |
Associated Plastic Surgeons,
S.C.
Otto J. Placik, M.D., F.A.C.S.
(847) 398-1660 or (312) 787-5313
Arlington Heights and Chicago, Illinois |
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