When Replacing Implants Can I Go Under the Armpit Again?

Question

I got my current implants in 1995 and am having no problems, but they are starting to sag more than I would like. They are under the muscle and were inserted through my armpit. If/when they need to be replaced, can I go under the arm again? I like the idea of having no visible scars...and my nipples are already almost completely numb, so I dont' want to risk any further loss of sensation.

Johnny Franco, MD, FACS · Answer

An axillary incision is similar to a peri-areolar or IMF
incision in that you can do the initial augmentation though the incision and
exchange implants through the incision. 
It is a common myth that silicone and large implants cannot be placed
through an axillary incision, both of those are not true.  I routinely place large silicone implants through
an axillary incision.

Women many times decide they would like to change the size
of their implants for whatever reason. This can easily be done through the
axillary incision.  With the use of the
endoscope and specialized equipment the implant can be removed, the pocket
adjusted and the new implant placed with the use of the Keller funnel.

Please be sure to consult with your board certified plastic
surgeon.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Since many patients over the course of their lives will require an additional procedure, and it cannot typically be done through the armpit incision, I am not a fan of that approach. You will end up with another scar anyway. Correction of sagging for example cannot be done though the armpit.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

If you plan on replacing implants through your existing armpit incision, it may be difficult to correct sagging (ptosis)

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Revisions through the axilla are more difficult because breast is somewhat remote, but it is not impossible.  I use all three approaches at the patient's request.  I don't see much difference when the scars remodel.  There is a lot of lip service paid to placement of the incision, but in the end, I don't think it makes much difference,

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

While the trans-axillary approach is great for avoiding incisions to your breast, it is not so great in the long run if you need a revision.  And, given the fact that a majority of women will revise their augmentation at some time, the need for either a IMF or peri-areolar incision then arises.  If your breasts are less perky now, you could potentially add more volume through a larger implant or you may need a breast lift.  Either way, you will most likely need an additional incision to perform this revision.

	I hope this helps!

When Replacing Implants Can I Go Under the Armpit Again?

Answers (9)

Answer: Placement of incisions aesthetically has little ramifications in breast augmentation.

Answer: Placement of incisions aesthetically has little ramifications in breast augmentation.

Answer: Can you revise breast augmentation through the armpit?

Answer: Can you revise breast augmentation through the armpit?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

When Replacing Implants Can I Go Under the Armpit Again?

Answers (9)

Answer: Placement of incisions aesthetically has little ramifications in breast augmentation.

Answer: Placement of incisions aesthetically has little ramifications in breast augmentation.

Answer: Can you revise breast augmentation through the armpit?

Answer: Can you revise breast augmentation through the armpit?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.