Breast Augmentation Incision Locations

Choosing which incision location is best for you is an important step after deciding to have breast augmentation surgery. At Colorado Plastic Surgery Center, an essential part of your consultation with Denver plastic surgeon, Dr. Nick Slenkovich will not only involve viewing before and after photos of breast enhancement surgeries, it will also include explanations of each type of surgical incision and what he recommends for your individual needs.

There are four types of incisions that are generally used in breast augmentation:

• Transaxillary incision
• Inframammary incision
• Peri-areolar incision
• Umbilicus incision

Transaxillary Incision

The transaxillary incision is placed in the armpit area to prevent a more visible scar. Disadvantages of this incision may include uneven breast implant placement (10-15% risk) and an additional incision would be necessary for any future surgery. The transaxillary incision is also not a viable incision for silicone gel breast implants.

Inframammary Incision

The inframammary incision is made in the fold at the bottom of the breast where the scar remains hidden beneath the natural breast fold. By using this incision, none of the breast tissue is cut during the procedure. This remains the most versatile incision choice because it allows Dr. Slenkovich to maintain control over how the breast implant is placed. Should any future breast surgery be required, this incision allows for easy access. It also does not interfere with breast feeding after breast augmentation. This incision location is Dr. Slenkovich's preferred incision for breast augmentation surgery.

The one disadvantage of this incision location is that your bra may irritate the incisions as it tries to heal. As a result, we recommend refraining from wearing an underwire bra until the incision is completely healed.

Peri-Areolar Incision

The peri-areolar incision is made around the outer edge of the areola, the darker pigmented portion of skin around the nipple. This incision makes it easier for the surgeon to ensure proper placement of the areolas and nipples after the breast implants have been placed. If the nipple becomes inverted during implant placement, this procedure allows him to repair it with ease. The scar will be hidden at the edge of the darkened skin.

A Peri-areolar incision brings with it a small chance (2-5%) of loss of nipple sensation and approximately 20% of patients experience problems with breast feeding after surgery.

Umbilicus Incision

The umbilicus incision is made in the area of the belly button. This location is used to avoid any scarring of the breast tissue. This type of incision is only used with saline breast implants because the implant must be folded prior to insertion, then it is filled after placement.

Incision location is only part of the breast augmentation procedure. The type of implant, its size, shape and how it is placed are also concerns that must be thoroughly discussed with your cosmetic surgeon. To determine what choices are right for you, place your trust in experienced and highly skilled Denver cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Nick Slenkovich. Please contact us at our Colorado cosmetic surgery facility today to schedule your private consultation with him today.