Incision and Placement Choices

Incisions:

Breast augmentation is normally performed using one of three common incision sites: around the nipple (periareolar), within the breast fold (inframammary), or under the arm (axillary).

  • Periareolar – This incision offers the benefit of being the most concealed. However, it is associated with a higher likelihood of inability to breast-feed.
  • Inframammary – This incision is very popular because it is concealed under the arm and can be a good option for women who do not want any scars on their breasts. It’s also less likely to interfere with breast-feeding.
  • Umbilical/endoscopic – This incision has not been studied and is not recommended.

Your doctor will explain each incision choice to you in greater detail and help you make a decision that is right for you.


Placement:

During breast augmentation procedure, the implants will either be placed under the chest muscle (submuscular) or on top of the muscle and under the breast glands (subglandular).


Submuscular placement:
May reduce the chances of your implants being felt through your skin, and it may help reduce the chance of scar tissue hardening around your implants, called capsular contracture. Submuscular placement also will make it easier to image your breast during a mammogram. Possible disadvantages of this placement choice may be a longer surgery and recovery period and difficulty performing some re-operation procedures.

Subglandular placement:
Can make your augmentation surgery shorter and reduce your recovery time. It may also be easier to perform a reoperation. A possible disadvantage could be having your implant edges more visibly noticeable under your skin. This placement choice may also increase the chances of capsular contracture and make it more difficult to image your breast during a mammogram.

Your doctor can talk with you about how both options relate to your individual needs, so that you can make a decision about which placement is right for you.