What Are the Disadvantages of Breast Implants Through the Nipples?

Question

Is there a greater risk of bottoming out with breast implants done by other methods?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!   Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of various incisions.  However, periareolar incisions are reasonable.  There is a slightly increased risk of infection and nipple sensation changes.  Breast procedures such as the 
breast augmentation and breast lift/reduction certainly result in a more
 shapely, 
perky, and fuller appearance of your breasts. With any breast procedure 
there is a risk, albeit very small, of change in 
sensation to the area.  The reported rate of sensation changes 
(decreased, loss, or increased) is ~7% for lift/reductions and much 
smaller for breast augmentation.  In my experience, this rate is 
reportedly much lower, but is higher when tissue is excised or the 
amount of lift that is needed, so the breast reduction procedure has a 
slightly greater risk.  It can take up to a year for full sensation to 
return.  Re-educating your nerves to these areas by using different 
textures when showering and putting on lotion often helps.It is one risk of such a procedure, and 
one that you must consider, amongst others, as with any surgical 
procedure.  You should consult with a plastic surgeon well-trained in 
breast procedures who will examine and discuss with you the various 
risks and benefits of the procedure(s) and assist you in deciding if 
such a procedure will be the right decision for you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	I think the advantages of the infraareolar incision far outweigh any theoretical disadvantages. These advantages include proximity to the planned  dual plane submuscular pocket dissection,  relatively hidden/forgiving location of scarring,  coverage by clothing/swimming suit etc.

	Not only does this approach not increase the risk of  bottoming out of breast implants;  in my hands, it allows for a more precise  breast implant pocket dissection (crucial in preventing breast implant malposition issues)  that can be accomplished from remote incisions ( such as trans axillary or trans-umbilical).

	I hope this helps.

Eric T. Emerson, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast augmentation through the nipple incision (periareolar) has few disadvantages.  While many women are concerned that this approach will decrease nipple sensation (more than other approaches) and result in a bad scar, this is not the case.  The scar from this approach is often (but not always) almost imperceptible.  There is no increased risk of 'bottoming out' with the periareolar incision; this complication is usually a result of over-dissection below the infra-mammary fold.  

	Placement of silicone implants through the nipple incision can be very difficult (for the surgeon).  The surgical dissection also is somewhat more challenging and often takes a little longer.  These concerns should not be a deterrent to this approach in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon.  Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The periareola incision is perfectly fine it doesn ot increase the risk for bottoming out. The scar usually heals very well.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

In the "nipple" incision for breast augmentation, the incision is actually made where the breast skin and areola come together. In most cases, the incision is very well hidden. One disadvantage is that if the areola is small, it may be hard to place a large silicone gel implant through the small opening. Another is that depending on the surgeon's technique, some breast tissue may be cut. It does not increase the risk of bottoming out

What Are the Disadvantages of Breast Implants Through the Nipples?

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast augmentation incisions

Answer: Breast augmentation incisions

Answer: Disadvantages of Breast Implants Through the Nipples

Answer: Disadvantages of Breast Implants Through the Nipples

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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What Are the Disadvantages of Breast Implants Through the Nipples?

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast augmentation incisions

Answer: Breast augmentation incisions

Answer: Disadvantages of Breast Implants Through the Nipples

Answer: Disadvantages of Breast Implants Through the Nipples

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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