Breast enhancement surgery in San Francisco is performed more often than any other cosmetic surgery. The surgeon and patient must decide where the incision will be made to insert the implants. This article looks at the benefits and drawbacks of each location.
The primary reason for concern with this is because a scar will remain at the site of the incision. Whenever there is an incision made through the skin, a scar will result. The amount of scarring is related to a number of issues that include, surgical skill of the physician, location of the incision, presence of post surgical infection, and the patient’s propensity to form scars.
There are generally 4 different types of incisions that can be used when performing Breast implant surgery. The four types of incisions are the areolar incision, infra-mammary or crease Incision, trans-axillary Incision, and the T.U.B.A. or (Trans-umbilical Breast augmentation) incision. Each has its own pros and cons. Ultimately the final choice of incision type will be made in consultation with your plastic surgeon. But it’s always a good idea to learn as much as you can prior to having that discussion with your doctor.
The incisions are usually 1 to 1.5 inches long except in the case of the TUBA incision. The TUBA incision is shorter due to the increased elasticity of the abdominal skin. The length of the incision is somewhat determined by the skill of the physician and the type and size of implant you choose. A silicone implant which is pre-filled will require a slightly larger incision than a saline implant that is inserted empty and filled later on. Textured implants also often require a larger incision. A saline implant is inserted empty and filled later therefore it usually requires a smaller incision than silicone gel implants. A silicone gel implant is larger at the time of insertion.
An areolar incision is a commonly used approach for implant insertion. The incision is placed around the bottom border of the areola. This location is almost always used if a mastopexy (breast lift) is being done as well because the mastopexy also requires an incision at this location. The final scar from an areolar incision is usually not noticeable. The exception to this would be if there is an infection or other problem with healing in which case the scar may be more prominent. The areolar incision does have a little greater incidence of altered nipple sensation following surgery.
Breast implants can also be inserted with an infra-mammary incision. The incision is usually just above the crease where the bottom of the breast meets the chest wall. This is the most often used technique for breast augmentation. This like the areolar incision is a location that makes it easy for the surgeon to position the implant. A benefit to this location is the ability to reuse the same area if there is a need for revision in the future.
The axilla is another location used for breast implant insertion. Following the incision, a channel to the breast area is created using an endoscope. The implant is then placed in its proper location. The axillary incision has the advantage of leaving no scar on the breast. Even if the scar is seen, it would usually not be associated with breast surgery.
The Trans-Umbilical Breast Augmentation or T.U.B.A. incision is done by creating a small incision at the navel. An endoscope is then used to tunnel up to the breast area, going through subcutaneous fat, just under the skin. This tunnel is used to pass a rolled up saline implant up to the chest area. The implant is unrolled and filled with saline. The T.U.B.A. procedure leaves no scars on the breasts. However, “tracks” may form where the tunneling was done. These usually disappear with time but not always. Silicone implants may not be used with this technique.
Your final choice will be made with your physician, and will be determined by your choice of silicone or saline implants, the size of the implants, and other individual issues. Please remember to choose a board certified plastic surgeon when you consult a physician regarding your breast augmentation.
Go to San-Francisco-Plastic-Surgeon.com for free reports and up to date information about many plastic surgery procedures You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.
