Posted by Dr. Hardesty

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Breast Augmentation Access Incision Choices

There are advantages and disadvantages to all access incisions.

1. Periareolar (nipple)

Advantages

• Incision blends with pigmented areolae
• Revisions can be accomplished

Disadvantages

• Limited incision length (larger silicone implants difficult to place)
• Slightly higher rate of long-term capsular contracture (when internal scar tissue forms a tight or constricting capsule around the implant, contracting until it becomes misshapen and/or hard)

2. Inframammary

Advantages

• Lowest chance of developing long-term capsular contracture
• Incision length not limited (can extend as necessary)
• Revisions can be accomplished

Disadvantages

• Scar on breast

3. Axillary (armpit)

Advantages

• No scars on breast

Disadvantages

• If revision is needed, it is difficult to use this incision scar
• Technically more challenging
• Limited size of larger silicone implants

4. Umbilical (tummy button)

Advantages

• No scars on breast

Disadvantages

• Can only use normal saline-filled implants
• Impossible to use this incision for revisions
• Sometimes a large incision around the umbilicus needs special instruments

Unfortunately breast augmentation requires an external incision. The length of the incision can be minimized if you choose normal saline-filled implants, because they’re inserted in the deflated state and then filled in contrast to silicone-gel implants — which are pre-filled and sealed thus requiring a larger incision to insert.

Bottom line: The scar is worth the improvement in breast appearance, shape and size.

The Staff of Imagine Plastic Surgery serving many of the communities of the greater Inland Empire including but limited to Riverside, CA and Inland Empire, Redlands, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Corona, Upland, and Chino Hills.