Are you considering breast implants? Many of our breast augmentation patients are curious about implant placement. They wonder where the incisions will be placed and where the implants will sit inside of the breast. This guide will answer some of your questions. If you have additional questions, call us and schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Sajjadian.
Incision Locations
Breast implants require an incision to be placed inside of the breast. The size and placement of your incision will vary based on several factors including your anatomy, the size of your implant, whether you’ve chosen saline or silicone, etc. The primary incision locations for breast augmentation include:
- Periareolar Incision: This incision is made around the nipple. Scarring is typically camouflaged by the nipple for an almost invisible effect. This incision option carries the greatest risk of loss/change of nipple sensation and breastfeeding difficulties.
- Inframammary Incision: The inframammary incision is made in the breast fold. Scarring is camouflaged by the breast itself. This incision is one of the most common. It is unlikely to cause breastfeeding difficulties, gives the surgeon great flexibility for implant placement, can be used with both saline and silicone and can be reused if breast implant revision surgery is ever needed.
- Transaxillary Incision: The trans-axillary incision is made in the armpit and the implant is then slid over into the breast. This incision works well for unfilled saline implants but doesn’t typically work well with other types of implants. Scarring is hidden in the armpit.
Dr. Sajjadian will make personalized recommendations about the best implant placement for your surgery.
Implant Placement
When it comes to implant placement, you have a couple options: under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or over the pectoral muscle (sub-glandular placement).
- Submuscular Placement: Submuscular placement places the implant under the pectoral muscle. Recovery may be longer and more painful, but this placement can reduce the chances of capsular contracture and may result in a more natural feeling breast. It also makes it easier to see the breast tissue during a mammogram. This placement is often the best choice for patients with little natural breast tissue. Commonly the lower part of the implant may not be completely covered by muscle.
- Subglandular Placement: Subglandular placement, or placing the implant between the chest muscle and the breast tissue, is another option. This placement usually requires less recovery time and the implants are easier to access should revision be necessary. If you have sufficient breast tissue, this placement can look and feel very natural.
Which implant placement is right for you? See Dr. Sajjadian for personalized advice.