Incisions

Please note that the incisions listed on this page do not cover the flap procedures related to breast reconstruction.

Inframammary

This incision is located in the fold directly below the breast.

Pros:

• One of the most popular incisions among surgeons so it should be relatively easy to find someone who feels comfortable using it.
• If revision is necessary for capsular contracture or other reasons, you would not need an additional incision.
• Allows for implant placement over, partially under, or fully under the muscle.
• Controlling implant placement is usually not a problem.
• The implant will not come into contact with the ducts of the breast, which decreases contact with bacteria.

Cons:

• If you change the size of your implant significantly (much larger or much smaller) at some point down the road, the scar's placement may shift and become more noticeable. 
• If there is no clear crease in the breast, the surgeon must "guess" where to put it; however, this is rarely a problem for well-trained practitioners.

Transaxillary

This incision is placed in the folds of the armpit skin.

Pros:

• No scarring on the breast and an incision that is in an inconspicuous location. 
• If the scar is visible, an observer will not likely realize it is from breast implant surgery.

Cons:

• The surgeon should be experienced in placing implants via this incision without an endoscope to reduce the risk of a lopsided appearance. (The further the incision is from the breast, the more difficult it is to place an implant correctly.)
• If revision is needed, you will probably end up with another incision as well.

Periareolar

This incision is made in a U-shape on the line between regular skin color and the areola.

Pros:

• A preferred incision of many surgeons so finding a skilled doctor should be relatively easy.
• Ideal for situations when the woman desires both breast lift and breast enlargement because it is necessary for lift anyway.
• Because it is made on the edge of the areola (where the skin color changes), the scarring from this incision often blends in well.
• Implants can be placed or removed through this incision.
• Above, partially below, or fully below the pectoral muscle are all options for implant placement.

Cons:

• The implant may come into contact with the breast ducts in which case bacteria may be transferred.
• Could potentially make breastfeeding more difficult or not possible.
• Women with smaller areolas may be more likely to experience changes in breast or nipple sensation with this incision.

Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA)

A procedure first done in 1991 and created by Houston physician Gerald Johnson, TUBA places the incision near the woman's belly button and an endoscope creates a path through the fat to the breast.

Pros:

• Takes advantage of the elasticity of the abdominal skin so the incision is extremely small. 
• Considered less invasive so may offer a faster, easier recovery.

Cons:

• May be difficult to find a surgeon who has been trained to perform the breast enlargement procedure with this method (especially for placement below the pectoral muscle). 
• Can only be used for saline implants (silicone implants must be pre-filled). 
• Another incision may be necessary if the surgeon has difficulty placing the implant via TUBA. 
• In rare cases, may cause "V tracks" (lines on the skin from the path of the endoscope) in some patients.
• Because the incision is so far from the breast itself, surgeons have less control when working on the implant.