Breast Augmentation Q&A
92%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
774 Reviews
Breast Augmentationbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Breast Augmentation Cost: $6,200

Learn about Breast Augmentation

3,418 people and 890 doctors are talking about Breast Augmentation

Get Free Email Updates

Breast Augmentation Under the Arm

asked 1 year ago by anon
Latest answer by David E. Kim, MD
Question viewed 2,052 times
Tags: under arms, armpit, placement

considering getting a BA under the arm...woried about the incision causing damage to lymph nodes as well as swelling. do you recommend altenitives for incision than under the arm?

29 answers to Breast Augmentation Under the Arm

+2

Trans axillary breast augmentation

Hello and thank you for the question. If a trans axillary breast augmentation is performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, the chances of having lymph node involvement are very rare. I perform most of the conventional approaches ( peri-areolar, infra-mammary crease, and trans-axillary) to breast augmentation. My preferred approach is the peri-areolar. In my hands, it produces the best scar and allows for superior exposure to the implant pocket. There is some data to suggest... more
Glenn Vallecillos, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.BeverlyHillsCosmeticSurgeon.com

+2

Breast augmentation incision

My usual recommendation is to make an incision in the crease under the breast. There is a full and safe anatomic view for the surgeon and better control of breast crease symmetry. There is also no worry about nicking the incision while shaving. To my knowledge there are no lymph node dangers associated with the armpit incision but certain alternatives do exist. I would look into all of your options and speak to several surgeons before making your final decision.
Marshall T. Partington MD, FACS

Kirkland Plastic Surgeon
+2

Under Arm Incision for Breast Augmentation by an Experienced Surgeon

The trans-axillary, or under-arm incision, for breast augmentation has been around for more than 30 years.  The initial problems surgeons experienced were improper placement of the scar and a blind dissection of the sub-muscular pocket for implant placement causing asymmetry and mal-position of the implants.  It is now been shown that placement of the incision within the hair-baring skin of the armpit heals with imperceptible scar.  At no timed during the operation do... more
Paul S. Howard, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+2

Transaxillary Breast Augmentation

For my transaxillary breast augmentations, I prefer an endoscopic technique, which utilizes a camera to visualize the appropriate plane under the muscle.   If performed correctly, the lymph nodes should never be visualized or divided.    Popularity wise, the inframammary (crease) incision is the most popular, followed by peri-areolar incision.
Paul S. Gill, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.drpaulgill.com

+1

Trans-axillary breast augmentation

I have not heard of any damage to lymph nodes using the trans-axillary technique. Sounds like something someone would say who doesn't use this technique and is trying to scare you away from it. But if you go to a doctor that doesn't like to do the procedure one way or another it's better to do it the way he/ she likes to do it. I do breast augmentation all the different ways so if you are a good candidate it comes down to where you want the scar.
David E. Kim, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation incision

There are typically 3 incisions used to place a breast implant: in the crease (underneath the breast), under the arm (transaxillary), or along the areola (pigmented skin surrounding the nipple). The choice of incision is made by both the patient and the surgeon after discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Loren Schechter, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Underarm incisions for a breast augmentation

When performed properly, the incision in the armpit does not damage any lymph nodes or cause any more swelling than an incision elsewhere used for a breast augmentation.
Julio Garcia, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implant incisions

Incisions can be made: under the arm under the... more
Jed H. Horowitz, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Axillary versus Inframammary Fold Augmentation

This is another personal and surgeon’s preference. My preference is to do primarily inframammary fold breast augmentations as it gives me much more Control especially of a patient with breast asymmetries and minimizes the need for breast revisions which I see often in patients who have had transaxillary breast augmentations.
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Inframammory Fold Incision

I prefer using the incision in the natural breast crease. This approach allows me to create a sub-muscular pocket for the implant perfectly. This incision heals well and is hidden very easily. Complications i have encountered with this approach are uncommon and/or minamal.
Michael A. Fiorillo, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Trans axillary breast augmentation

I am not a big fan of a trans axillary breast augmentation for a couple of reasons. First, I don't think you can see the surgical field that well. Second, I have seen a number of results which have a poor definition of the inframammary fold near the sternum. My colleagues that do this surgery will disagree. I respectfully disagree with them. I prefer a small incision under the breast which typically heals to an almost imperceptible result. All the best... more
Talmage J. Raine, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Transaxillary breast augmentation

Breast augmentation can be done in several ways. The most common and popular approach is via inframmary crease line. The second way is through the areola. The third way is through the axilla. The fourth way is through the belly button in case of saline implants. Introducing the implant via crease line or areola offers the most direct way to visualize the implant pocket as well as to place the implant. However, if your surgoen is well experienced in transaxillary... more
Sugene Kim, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implants through the underarm

Trans-axillary incision for breast augmentation This is the ideal approach for patients with very youthful-appearing breasts, who do not require correction of significant breast asymmetry or major alteration of breast shape (such as tubular breasts). When the breasts are small and perky, the inframammary fold is clearly visible and it therefore does not conceal a scar very well - and sometimes not at all. If the areolar diameter is small, then a peri-areolar incision is not practical. So... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+1

Breast augmentation incision under the arm

Breast augmentation can be performed with a transaxillary incision but there are some limitations and trade-offs with this incision. As recently as this past month, an article was written in the Journal of Aesthetic Surgery in which the authors wrote that there is probably no risk of compromise to the lymph node drain but more research is needed. Also future surgeries may need to be performed through one of the breast incisions if there are capsule problems or rupture. ... more
Elizabeth S. Harris, MD

San Antonio Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Augmentation Under Arm Incision

We offer three incision sites at our practice when using a saline implant. Inframammary (underneath breast), Periareolar (around the nipple), and Transaxillary (underarm). The incision site is the choice of the patient. Danger to lymph nodes is highly unlikely if the incision is performed correctly. It will be a bit more difficult to lift your arms for the first week or two. Most people heal very well with the incision under the arm.
J. Gregory Kjar, M.D.

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation

If you are having saline breast implants placed and you have small breasts and no breast ptosis, the axilla or arm pit incision is very good.  Your Plastic Surgeon needs to be very familiar with this technique.  It has advantages in that there will be no scar on the breast and no dissection of breast tissue is done.  It is limiting in that the implant pocket is developed in a closed or blind manor.  If your plastic surgeon has experience with this incision- it's a... more
Jay H. Ross, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Augmentation Under the Arm

If your surgeon is experienced in axillary incision, go for it!  It will leave you scarless on the breast. Dont worry about damage to LN, etc- there are risks with all incisions- discuss with your surgeon
Amy T. Bandy, DO

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.drbandy.com

+1

Breast Augmentation incisions

The axillary approach to augmentation is my second choice. I prefer the incision in the crease line below the breast because of its relative invisibility (except when nude). The incision in the armpit area generally heals well but if it happens to heal less than well then it will be visible when you raise you arm while wearing a swimsuit or something similar. In the end the final decision should be made between you and your surgeon
Deason Dunagan, MD

Huntsville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Augmentation Through the Armpit

The only advantage to performing an incision through the armpit is to keep the incisions off of the breast. That may seem obvious, but it does not necessarily guarantee that the incision will heal imperceptibly. I would not worry about damage to lymph nodes because they are deeper and more lateral to the incision. Another thing to consider is that if you ever need furhter surgery, whether for a capsular contracture or needing a breast lift down the line, it will require an incision... more
Babak Dadvand, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Trans-axillary incision

Hello, As already indicated, this skin incision and approach from the armpit is an excellent route for implant placement.  There is no involvement of lymphnodes.  A surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who specializes in breast augmentation and has extensive experience with this approach should be the surgeon performing this or any breast augmentation.  When performed with an endoscope this technique allows unparalleled visibility for... more
Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation incision location

The plane of armpit lymph nodes is deep to the plane through which transaxillary breast implants are placed. This should not be an issue. It is important to decide the route through which breast implants will be placed before surgery however that decision should not be based on your current concerns. The skin incision should be based on what you and your surgeon are comfortable with and whether or not any skin procedures are required to optimize nipple position. If you need to move the... more
Aaron Stone, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Transaxillary Breast Augmentation Done Endoscopically

The transaxillary approach is a great option for most women.  The modern way of doing it uses endoscopy to dissect a precise pocket and in no way is this a "blind" procedure.  In fact, the view is magnified, and allows a great view to accomplish a meticulous dissection of the pocket.  For example, the view is better than a periareolar procedure, where dissection through the breast tissue itself creates a tunnel that limits exposure of the... more
Douglas J. Mackenzie, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon

www.pacificplasticsurgery.com

+1

Breast Augmentation Under the Arm

The "transaxillary approach was the "ole" standard in the early 1980's. I offer this approach as my third alternative to the infra mammary or circum areolar incisions. The reasons are size of incision, effect on lymph glands in axilla, injury to brachial plexus, a blind operation. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Armpit (Transaxillary) Breast Augmentation

Regarding: " Breast Augmentation Under the Arm considering getting a BA under the arm...woried about the incision causing damage to lymph nodes as well as swelling. do you recommend altenitives for incision than under the arm?" Most Plastic Surgeons can perform Breast Augmentation surgery through various access incisions and choose each incision to the individual patient's needs now and in the future. SOME surgeon perform Breast Augmentation through certain less popular... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation with armpit incision

A properly done armpit (axillary) incision will not come close tteh lhe ymph nodes. As soon as the incision is made, the surgeon makes a tunnel to the chest (pec) muscle. The lymph nodes are deeper and in a different direction. Depending on your individual breast shape, other incisions include around the areola and in the crease below the breast.
Karol A. Gutowski, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation and incision

Implants can be placed through several different incisions. I prefer periareola or inframammary. I think they afford the most direct access.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Armpit is not the preferred implant incision

The most popular among surgeons is the breast crease, followed by the areola.  Distant third is the armpit and really distant fourth is the belly button. The most important determinant in getting a fantastic breast augmentation is having perfect pockets made for the implants, not the scar.  The best place to make perfect pockets is from the crease.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Augmentation Under the Arm

In terms of popularity and use by plastic surgeons, the crease or breast fold (infra or submammary) is the most common followed by the nipple (periareolar) followed by the arm pit (transaxillary) followed by the belly button (transumbilical).If performed correctly there is little risk to the lymph nodes or increased swelling. see video
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation under the arm

Breast implants can be put in through four different approaches. You can have the incision in the underarm, under the breast, at the edge of the areolae and in the belly button. There are advantages and disadvantages to al of them. The underarm approach is good for avoiding scars on the breasts. You should not be concerned about extra swelling or lymph node damage as this is very unlikely. However, in a warm weather climate (like Miami where I practice) the underarms may not be so... more
Adam Rubinstein, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

dr-rubinstein.com

Ask a question