Which is Better and Less Painful, Armpit or Aerola Incision?

My doctor wants to use the aerola, but I was thinking the armpit would be less evasive. How long can it be until the breast can be touched in either case? What is the recovery time for each? I want to return to normal life as soon as possible. It will be silicon under the muscle about 400 cc's. I weigh 112 lbs and 5 '6" tall.

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by Lil Cupcake in PA

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Which is Better

If one incision were really better than others, there would only be one and all would use it. When the incision is on the breast, it is quite uncommon for the patient to have incision related pain, though there is implant related pain. When the incision is under the arm, there is added discomfort since the arms are not stationary. The recovery time will not be different. Choose the incision with your surgeon based upon where you want the scar, and discuss with your surgeon... more

Armpit or Areola for Implant Placement

In general, the risk for infection and capsular contracture may be greater for armpit and areolar incisions for different theoretical reasons. I prefer the transumbilical, MF, or periareolar for saline and the IMF or periareolar for silicone. The pain is due to placing the implant under the pectoralis major muscle, and I do not think any of these incisions is necessarily less painful. Kenneth Hughes, MD Hughes Breast Augmentation Los Angeles, CA more

What is the best point of entry to place breast implants during surgery?

Hello, Thank you for your inquiry. The 400cc silicone implants inserted from the armpit will result in a fairly visible a scar in the axilla with a higher chances of CC due to possible bacterial contamination. As for the insertion from around the areola, another visible scar will be placed at the point of entry. However, this method may be beneficial if you have decided to have a circumareolar (doughnut) lift. Finally, the inframammary insertion may be the best bet in... more

Breast Augmentation Incsions Definately Have Pros and Cons

Great question! The armpit or trans-axillary incision's main advantage is that it is hidden in the armpit, far from the breast and not visible even without clothing. The distance from the pocket is an issue so only saline implants rather than pre-filled silicone implants are typically used. The peri-areolar incision heals fairly well and can be used for either saline or silicone implants. It is usually not a very painful incision but it can be associated with a higher... more

Incisions

The correct incision is the one that is best for your anatomy. There is some degree of discomfort regardless of the site used.You will have arm and breast pain with the axillary incision.

Which incision for breast augmentation

You ask an interesting question. I do a lot of axillary incisions. I have found the scars to be virtually invisible when all is said and done. Of course if the surgeon is using this approach, they should use the endoscope to do the surgery. I agree with the other comments that the incision will need to be a little larger with silicone implants, which come pre-filled. The largest silicone implant I have personally placed through the armpit was 450cc. Also, if... more

Armpit incision for breast implants sounds appealing, but usually it is not the best choice.

There was a time about 20 years ago when the armpit approach was quite popular. But its popularity has waned for several reasons. First of all, while you don't have a scar on your breast, you do in your armpit and this can sometimes be visible (hairdressers, volleyball players...). Most women eventually have subsequent surgery to replace implants or treat problems and these are usually done using an inframammary incision, so now you have four scars rather than two. ... more

Incision choice with breast augmentation

Cupcake, There is no evidence that one incision hurts more than another in breast augmentation or that one heals faster than another. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages. I would suggest that you discuss this with your surgeon and think carefully about what he feels would work best in your situation. Keep in mind that in a sleeveless top, your axillary incisions will be noticeable. In two to three weeks, you will be back pretty much to a normal... more

Best incision for breast implants

HI, There is not a great deal of difference in post operative pain from different incision sites following breast augmentation surgery. 400 cc silicone implants are fairly large implants and will be more difficult to place through a trans-axillary approach. There is recent evidence that implants placed through either the armpit or peri-areolar approach have a slightly increased risk of post- operative capsular contracture due to small amounts of bacteria located in the... more

Which incision is better?

Thank you for your question. I use any of the three surgical approaches for implant placement (transaxillary, periareolar, or inframammary) depending on the needs and desires of the patient. For moderate sized silicone implants you might want to consider the inframammary approach as the longer incision required for these implants (compared to saline implants) may be less likely to lead to nipple numbness (periareolar) or a visible scar in the axilla. There is not a significant difference in... more