Breast Implants: Q&A

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Can You Use the Same Incision to Increase Breast Size?

If a primary breast augmentation is done through the armpit, can a second surgery to increase size be done through the same incision site of the armpit?

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15 Doctor Answers | Asked by malibugirl in California

Doctor Answers (15)
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It can be done through transaxillary incision

There is no question that the transaxillary incision can be used to exchange implants. That has been my prefered method for the 20 years that I have been in practice. In those years, 74% of my revisions have been able to be done through the transaxillary approach the second time. I agree with other physicians who have answered this question, as there are some other things to think about, such as how big you would like to go, and how big the pocket is currently. It is almost impossible to... more

Dan Mills, MD

10 reviews

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.danmillsmd.com

Breast Implant exchange

Certainly the same incision can be used to replace implants provided that there is no significant capsule or other problems with the pocket. It is very hard to correct problems from a transaxillary approach.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Don't recommend putting in larger breast implants through armpit.

Hi. For larger breast implants, your surgeon needs to make larger pockets in your breasts. This can be a fair amount of surgery and difficult to do through the armpit. I think you would decrease your chances of having great shape and symmetry.

Same incision can sometimes be used to increase breast size

Hello, Doing much capsule work (like a capsulotomy) through the arm pit incision can be difficult. This is one of the reason many docs are not-so-crazy about the "through the arm pit" approach. So the answer is it depends upon what surgery needs to be done through the arm pit that second time around. If it is simple, maybe it could be done.

In general, you can use the same incision

If it is just a simple exchange to increase the size of your implants, yes, the transaxillary incision is fine. If you need a complex capsulectomy performed at the same time, your surgeon might suggest a different incision. Depending on how much "work" needs to be done to the pocket around the implant, more direct incisional approaches might give your surgeon better access / exposure, and you might end up with a better result. You should visit with a board certified plastic... more

Most likely you can use the same incision.

It all really depends on your specific situation and the skill of your surgeon. However, in most cases, the surgery can be done through the same incision without a problem. Good luck.

Still possible to use the axillary approach

It is still possible to use the axillary approach. This will be a more likely situation if you have saline implants and are planning on staying with saline implants. I prefer to use an endoscope for my transaxillary breast augmentations. However, I do not prefer to place silicone implants via the axillary approach. Most often, I will use the periareolar or inframammary approach for primary and secondary cases. Having said this, you should not fear the periareolar approach to your surgery... more

Secondary augmentation through same incision possible

A secondary procedure through the same incision in the armpit can certainly be done. The implant, however, usually cannot be saved and must be replaced with a new one. I would find a Plastic Surgeon who is very familiar with the procedure. Recovery after a secondary procedure is minimal.

Using same incision depends on your goal

Hi there, I think whether it is advisable to use this incision really depends on what your ultimate goal is. A minor increase in size that involves the addition of fluid to an existing saline implant should be possible. Placement of a larger implant (particularly if silicone is your preference, with adjustment of the breast shape), would not. I would review your goals for volume increase with your surgeon. Only after a good exam and review of your goals will he/she be able to say whether... more

It might be possible

Revisionary surgeries are more difficult from the more remote incisions but can sometimes be done especially if the pockets don't need too much work before replacing the implants. So, the answer is that it depends on your anatomy, your surgeon, and what kind and size of implant you are placing.

Most likely you can use the same incision in the arm pit.

Whether or not you can use the same incision to replace the implants that have been placed through the arm pit incision depends on the size of the pocket that is already there and the amount of increase of the size of the new implant. Unfortunately if the pocket has closed down or is too small for the new larger implant it would be best to do a more direct incision. There is good chance that your pocket will be big enough to accommodate the new implant but you may need to be agreeable to a... more

Augmentation revisions harder through armpit incision

It depends on what you are changing in terms of implant size and the technical experience of the surgeon. In general, it is harder to do revisions from the armpit incisions since it is basically a blind procedure, even though some surgeons use an endoscopic approach. When you change the width or position of the implant, you will often need to remove the capsule or open up the periphery of the capsule and both are difficult to accomplish accurately through the armpit incision. If you are... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Maybe possible to use same incision

Hello I believe it depends on how much larger you want to be, how long it has been since the first surgery, and the comfort level of the surgeon. It may be helpful to use an endoscope to look at the pocket and assist in making it larger. In addition, if you have silicone implants, I doubt that anything much larger can be placed through the armpit without affecting the quality of that armpit scar. A significantly larger silicone implant would need a different incision, most likely in the fold... more

Same breast augmentation incision can be used

As long as there are no major problems with the capsule, and the doctor feels comfortable using the approach, it should not be a problem.

Possible to use same breast augmentation incision

If you're exchanging implants, it is possible to use a transaxillary incision to perform the procedure. If you need pocket revision or something more involved than just an exchange, typically another approach is required. Hope this helps! Dr. Kaufman