Breast Augmentation Incision Options

    /24-7PressRelease/ - SAN FRANCISCO, CA, August 17, 2008 - Breast augmentation is by far the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure among women, with almost 350,000 performed in the United States in 2007. There are many reasons women choose breast augmentation and many considerations to make when deciding on the procedure. Discussing incision options with your cosmetic surgeon is one of the major considerations to make when deciding what sort of implant surgery to undergo.

In the United States, there are now two breast implant options on the market. Since their reintroduction in 2002, silicone implants have become the most popular option for augmentation and reconstructive surgery. Saline implants are still available and are still used by many women for a variety of reasons. In general, saline implants require a smaller incision than silicone. Saline implants can be inserted empty, then filled with saline fluid afterwards.

Placement

Size is not the only concern; the location of the incision may influence what type of breast augmentation procedure is performed. There are two placements for breast augmentation surgery:
• Subglandular - The subglandular approach is the most popular method and is the one recommended by most physicians for most cases. The placement of the silicone or saline implant is in front of the muscle and basically placed where in the natural position of the breast. Many physicians feel that since the natural breast is in front of the muscle and implant should be as well.
• Submuscular - The submuscular placement puts the implant behind the pectoral muscle. This placement may help prevent instances of rippling, but are usually only performed at the patient's request.

Incisions

There are several approaches to placing the implant. The three most common ones are:
• Inframammary - The most common incision for each placement is called inframammary. A small incision is made under the breast in the crease. This approach does leave a small scar, but most of the time is not noticeable.
• Transaxillary - An alternate approach through the underarm area is called transaxillary. This approach makes it slightly more difficult to place the implant, but any scar that results is hidden in the underarm area.
• Areola - A third option is to make the incision in the areola where the skin type and color changes. This approach results in the least obvious scarring, but it is more difficult to prepare the breast pocket for the implant. Care must also be taken to avoid the nerve ending that provides feeling to the nipple and areola area.

Another option that is used only rarely is through the umbilical area. This does result minimize any scarring, but the manipulation of the implant from way down in the umbilical area is more difficult, especially when trying to situate the valve for a saline implant device.

When considering breast augmentation, the scar that results is an important factor in the approach of the surgery. It is however, just one of many considerations that need to be made. Implant placement and the type of implant to use should all be discussed at great length with your cosmetic surgeon. That is the best way to ensure the most satisfactory results for breast augmentation surgery.

To learn more about breast augmentation incision options in the San Francisco, California area, please contact Dr. Randall Weil.

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