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Breast enlargement surgery is typically
performed in 1 to 3 hours with general anesthesia or
local anesthesia with IV sedation. (read more about
anesthesia). The
actual incision is 1 to 2 inches long, although there
is some variation, depending on the implant, incision
location, and surgeon's technique. If you are having
a saline implant, the implant will be empty or almost
empty and rolled up so that it will fit through the
incision. (Saline is added through a fill tube after
the implant is in position). If you are using silicone
implants, they are pre-filled but very malleable so
your surgeon will be able to manipulate it through a
similar or slightly larger sized incision.
incision placement - During
the consultation with your breast enlargement surgeon,
you will discuss the location of the incision that he
or she will use through which to place your breast implants.
Your particular breast surgeon will likely have a preference,
but with your input, you can decide together on the
incision placement that's right for you. There are 3
common approaches, and one less common one:
infra-mammary - As it's name
implies, the infra-mammary incision is placed beneath
the breast in the fold or crease. This incision allows
easy access and good visualization for the surgeon.
He or she will take into account the lowering of your
breast fold that may occur when placing breast implants,
so your incision may fall below where your crease currently
lies. In most cases, the incision heals well, but some
women choose a different approach as they prefer not
to have any scars on the breast. This incision is commonly
used if you are also having a full breast
lift at the same time.
peri-areolar - The peri-areolar
incision is a semi-circular shape along the lower half
of the areola, the pinkish-brown area surrounding the
nipple. Many surgeons and patients alike prefer this
incision because the scar is usually barely perceptible
once it has healed. Extra care must be taken by the
breast surgeon using the peri-areolar incision not to
disrupt the breast gland and milk ducts, especially
in women that plan to breastfeed. There is also an increased
risk of loss of sensation to the nipple if the surgeon
is not careful to avoid the main sensory nerve that
travels to the nipple and areola.
trans-axillary - The trans-axillary
incision for breast implant surgery is placed inside
the armpit. With this approach, an endoscope (a tiny
camera) and long tools are used since the surgeon will
not be able to see inside the breast directly, and the
surgeon separates the tissues and creates the pocket
both by feel and by watching the surgery on a video
monitor. Because the implant will have to travel a distance
through a tunnel from the armpit to the breast, a smooth
surfaced, saline implant is used since it is easier
to slide through. With the trans-axillary approach,
the dissection takes place under the muscle, so the
implant will usually be in the sub-muscular
position. Some women prefer this approach because
there are no scars on the breast, but the scar may be
visible if the patient raises her arm and is not wearing
sleeves. If the implant needs to be removed for any
reason, an incision on the areola or under the fold
will be made.
trans-umbilical - Trans-Umbilical
Breast Augmentation, referred to as TUBA, involves the
use of a curved incision placed inside the belly button,
and is the least common approach for breast implant
surgery. Using an endoscope (as with the trans-axillary
incision), a tunnel is created under the skin to each
breast and a pocket is created into which the implants
are placed. Like the trans-axillary approach, a smooth
surfaced, saline impant is used, and this approach avoids
any incisions on the breast. Breast implants are usually,
but not always, placed over the muscle with this approach.
Rarely, a breast incision may be required to properly
position the implant, or in cases where the implant
needs to be removed.
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Section - Breast Augmentation Recovery
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Photos of Breast Implant Surgery
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