Are my areolas large enough for Periareolar incision? (Photos)

Yes your aleorae are large enough but why scar them if you can enlarge your breasts without scars on your breasts? I have used perialeolar incision in a lot of patients (hundreds)  when we did not have good way to insert silicone implants through the armpit incisions. Once the Keller funnel was introduced a few years ago I switched back to armpit incision . There is no better way to hide your scars

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  At first glance you would certainly be able to get a saline implant in through a periareolar incision but a thicker gel silicone implant may be more difficult. You need enough length from the 3-9 o'clock positions of your areola to be able to physically place a silicone implant, even with a Keller funnel.  This will depend on the ability of your tissues to stretch.  See an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss your candidacy.

most patients are candidates for periareola incision for breast augmentation especially if the surgeon is using the Keller funnel. The funnel allows the placement of silicone implants through a small incision with minimal trauma to both the implant and the incision.

To be honest, without an examination it is hard to say if you have enough room.  It is not just about the size, but also how much it could stretch during the surgery itself.  You also have to take into account the increased complication rates of going through the nipple ( the lowest nationwide complication rates are through the breast crease).  The best thing to do is to have a few consultations with board certified plastic surgeons and see what will work best for you.  I hope this helps.

A periareolar approach is still used by many surgeons today. As a function of length/size, it can be somewhat limiting relative the inframammary fold approach. The incision was more popular in the era of the saline implant (during the moratorium on the use of silicone implants). Saline implants which are placed empty and filled in-vivo did not neccessitate large access incisions. The limited nature of these incisions has made them slightly less popular with the dawn of the cohesive gels which are stiffer and require larger incisions. A periareolar approach may or may not be suitable depending upon the unique anatomy of the patients as well as their implant goals. Generally, patients will need an areolar diameter of at least 3.5 cm (the average is approximately 4 cm). The incision is placed over the lower curvature of the areola and will usually need to be 3-5 cm (depending upon the size and type of implant desired). The use of a Keller funnel can sometimes facilitate the use of a larger implant with a smaller access incision.With regards to your specific question, it would be difficult to make a valid recommendation without an in person exam and measurements. Depending on the measurements and your desire for a moderate sized gel you may or may not be a good candidate. Another point of consideration is the (slightly) increased risk of capsular contracture in the setting of a peri-areolar approach attributed to biofilm and the need to dissect through the breast glandular tissue.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Periareolar incisions were in vogue in the early 90's when saline implants were used exclusively for augmentation. Currently silicone is also used (most frequently) and thus an inframammary or transaxillary incision is preferred. If you have an unsightly scar after a periareolar incision it is very visible. Each person must decide what the best option is for them though. Using a Keller funnel and a small implant, a periareolar approach can be performed. Discuss with your surgeon.Best

It is difficult to tell without an in person examination, but I would guess that you should be able to use the periareolar incision for implants of this size.  There are advantages as well as disadvantages to using this incision, however.  Although this incision may look good in many patients, there are studies that show a higher rate of capsules and contamination.  Some breast ducts are divided with this incision and a higher chance of sensory numbness of the nipple may be seen.  Furthermore, if excessive scarring occurs, it can cause a retraction deformity of the  area that can be difficult to correct.  You should consult with a board certified experienced plastic surgeon.  

Hello Rachel,It's not possible to say just by looking at these photos whether a breast implant can be safely placed through an areola incision for silicone breast implants. My concern with areola incision is the potential increased risks capsule contracture and bacterial contamination.The risks of CC, have been found to be lower with fold incisions in both US and European studies. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Thank you for your question. Look like difficult to put silicone implants. Please consult with a board certified PS for evaluation.

The areola diameter has to be a certain size in order to put a silicone implant of that size in through it . You would have to be seen in person, but it might be better to use a different approach. Good luck.