Transaxillary vs inframammary incision?

Question

Im mixed (black and white) and when my skin gets scared it usually heals back a lot darker than what my skin is normally. Because of this when going to get my breast augmentation I was leaning more toward the transaxillary incision but I haven’t found anyone to ask how the healing process was and was just curious to know which one is best for a quick recovery

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Itslainietho,I tend to prefer the periareolar incision because its the most well hidden. There is a natural border between the areola and the rest of the breast skin the hides the incision extremely well. You have to be completely naked to see it vs other incisions like transaxillary and inframammary are visible in clothing such as sleeveless shirts and bikini tops when extending your arms up. I've also noticed increased rates of bottoming out with inframmary incisions that is not reported. Transaxillary implants are always wide in appearance because the surgeon is not able to dissect medially enough to provide better cleavage. Ultimately, I can perform any of the incisions but I recommend the periareolar. There is no difference in sensation because the nerves that control nipple sensation come in laterally from the back and injury to them occurs when surgeons dissect to far laterally which is why transaxillary incisions have the highest nipple sensation disruption. There is no difference in breast feeding ability. One study did show a slight increase in capsular contracture with use of periareolar but that study was small and did not incorporate modern techniques such as below muscle placement, keller funnel usage and triple antibiotic irrigation.Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

I think a lot of surgeons are against transaxillary breast augmentation because they do not feel comfortable performing it or they even never tried or got train in performing it. I learned how to safely and successfully perform this type of breast augmentation over 25 years ago. Since then I augmented many thousands of breasts this way and this is my experience: it is my preferred way to do it (for a right candidate) my main reason is: why mutilate perfect beautiful woman's body if you can avoid it? And there is really no downside, it is not true that are more complications, problems or capsular contractures than with any other way to do it. If surgeon is skilled and knows how to perform axillary breast augmentation results are very predictable. I would not be repeating this procedure for over 25 years if it would be causing problems. It would be insane since I sometimes have 10 patients /week and would ha to deal with a lot of unhappy women... And do not trust surgeons who tell you under the breast incision is great. Frequently, they are quite visible, stretched, dark, keloidal and quite annoying. Especially in small breasts that have no folds make these scars impossible to hide. Last time I performed inframammary incision is over 20 years ago. There is no need for that. Armpit incisions ALWAYS heal great, and they are either invisible or look like a wrinkle in your armpit. And in my experience problems that people are describing are if anything less common that with other approaches.

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

Pretty quick healing time. I love the transaxillary approach and it is the primary incision I use and has been over the last 18 years.  in most cases your recovery is just like any other breast augmentation. Most of my patients if they have it done on a Thursday or Friday or back to work on Monday, light duty if they have a very physical job for one week. However doing your hair may be a bit of a challenge the first three days but honestly… For most patients, not much of a concern for those first three days!!!!!

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

The choice of incision in the setting of breast augmentation is one which is made jointly by both the patient and the surgeon. Surgeons typically have their preference as do patients. 
Your options include-
The DIRECT approaches:
-IMF (fold)- (+) popular, direct access with good visualization, if placed appropriately it is well tolerated and well camouflaged; (-) the scar can migrate as the fold descends with augmentation, the incision can be misplaced. (I would not be concerned with pectoralis muscle retraction and the supposed limiting effects down the road)
-Infrareolar- (+) commonly used alternative to the IMF incision, the location is more consistent and predictable than the IMF, especially useful in those patients with a poorly defined fold; (-) there is a limitation based on the size of the areola (smaller areolas will limit incision size and thus impact visualization), this technique is also associated with slightly higher rates of contracture (due to the contention that there is low grade contamination associated with passage through breast tissue-this risk can be mitigated via the use of a Keller funnel).
The INDIRECT approaches:
-Transaxillary (armpit)- (+) avoids a scar on the breast mound but must be performed endoscopically as there is no direct visualization of the pocket during dissection otherwise; (-) can be limiting with regards to implant size and type (although the Keller funnel has helped); saline is preferred, however, smaller silicone devices with a funnel are possible; form stable implants cannot be placed via this indirect route.
-Transumbilical (belly button)- (+) avoids a scar on the breast mound; (-) no direct visualization of the pocket, saline implants only.
The direct approaches remain the most popular with the IMF approach most commonly used. Ultimately, no approach is perfect. They are different as is each surgeon. The incision decision is best made in concert with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Peter J. Vonu, MD · Answer

My preference is the inframammary incision because there are less risk of complications such as malposition of implants, hematoma, implants riding high for an extended period of time. Recent research has suggested that this is the most reliable approach. The incision is very small 4cm or less.One may argue that this is a less noticeable scar than the transaxillary incision even with pigment changes.  Also I find the recovery to be less painful with the inframammary approach.Patients doing desk work can usually go back to work within 48h. Have a great day.

Elizabeth S. Harris, MD · Answer

There are several direct incision on the breast for breast augmentation including Inframammary and Periareolar.  The two most common remote incisions include Transaxillary and Umbilical.  There are advantages and disadvantages of each.   The Inframammary incision is the most common incision.   It is very precise and is hidden well in the natural crease of the breast.  The Periareolar incision is an incision at the base of the pigmented areola of the nipple and can be used to reduce the size of the areola in cases of enlargement both genetic as well as after breast feeding.   If a patient heals with thickening of scars, this incision may be more obvious.The transaxillary incision is a remote incision which would not be seen on the breast but may be noticeable in tank tops and bathing suits.   It is best used with saline implants but may be used with small silicone implants.The Umbilical incision is only used with saline implants and is the least common incision used because it is the most remote site.It is always important to consider long term success of the surgery.   If one of the remote sites are used for the procedure, a complication such as malposition or revision may need to have an additional breast incision for correction.   The bottom line is that each plastic surgeon has his or her preferred incision and this experience should be discussed with each patient.

Daniel B. Kim, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out, and with a great question! The transaxillary incision is the main incision I use, the scarring is rarely ever visible and it the healing process is great. Some patient complain of their arms being sore as some of the muscles are disturbed, but beyond that patients seem to do really well. Best of luck on your upcoming procedure! Dr. Kim

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and all of the approaches are excellent in the appropriate patient.  So go on some complimentary consultations and compare recommendations after an examination and become fully informed about the desired procedure Dr Corbin

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

It sounds like you might do better considering an incision along the edge of the areola which is probably already on the darker side, like your scar color.

Transaxillary vs inframammary incision?

Answers (9)

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