Ask a doctor

What is the healing time for periareolar incision vs inframammary?

My BA is scheduled for sept 26th and I am going to Mexico November 19th.

Doctor Answers 15

Healing time for BBA

September 11th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thank you for your question. The healing time, meaning your time to get back to full activity, will not vary significantly based on the approach selected. Deciding upon periareolar versus inframammary incision should be based on where you want the scar located, the size of the areola, and the breast shape itself. Certain breast shapes, such as a constricted breast, may lend itself to better correction via a periareolar approach. In general, the periareolar incision has a slightly higher chance of affecting nipple sensation as well as a higher risk of capsular contracture. I would discuss these concerns with your surgeon in order to make the best decision possible. Best regards.
Anthony Deboni, MD
September 11th, 2016

Healing time for BBA

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thank you for your question. The healing time, meaning your time to get back to full activity, will not vary significantly based on the approach selected. Deciding upon periareolar versus inframammary incision should be based on where you want the scar located, the size of the areola, and the breast shape itself. Certain breast shapes, such as a constricted breast, may lend itself to better correction via a periareolar approach. In general, the periareolar incision has a slightly higher chance of affecting nipple sensation as well as a higher risk of capsular contracture. I would discuss these concerns with your surgeon in order to make the best decision possible. Best regards.
Anthony Deboni, MD

There’s no difference in healing time between breast implant incision types.

November 3rd, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

When deciding between the periareolar or inframammary incision, the most crucial factor is which option is best suited to your needs. A board-certified plastic surgeon is best equipped to advise you on this matter. Because you’re going on vacation seven weeks after your breast augmentation, remember not to submerge your breasts in water until your incisions have fully healed. It’s also important to protect your incisions from sun exposure to prevent scarring or further complications. Best of luck to you!

Web reference: https://www.thenaturalresult.com/breast-augmentation/

David L. Kaufman, MD
November 3rd, 2016

There’s no difference in healing time between breast implant incision types.

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

When deciding between the periareolar or inframammary incision, the most crucial factor is which option is best suited to your needs. A board-certified plastic surgeon is best equipped to advise you on this matter. Because you’re going on vacation seven weeks after your breast augmentation, remember not to submerge your breasts in water until your incisions have fully healed. It’s also important to protect your incisions from sun exposure to prevent scarring or further complications. Best of luck to you!

Learn more: https://www.thenaturalresult.com/breast-augmentation/

David L. Kaufman, MD

Healing time for breast augmentation

September 20th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

The healing time for the incision itself is not the key issue.  Your surgeon's recommendations for post-op restrictions are based on the overall healing internally.  Some surgeons (myself included) feel that 3 - 4 weeks of restricted activity for the chest and chest muscles is the safest course.  Please check with your surgeon regarding these issues and your travel plans.

Lyle M. Back, MD

Lyle M. Back, MD
Cherry Hill Plastic Surgeon
4.2 out of 5 stars 14 reviews

September 20th, 2016

Healing time for breast augmentation

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

The healing time for the incision itself is not the key issue.  Your surgeon's recommendations for post-op restrictions are based on the overall healing internally.  Some surgeons (myself included) feel that 3 - 4 weeks of restricted activity for the chest and chest muscles is the safest course.  Please check with your surgeon regarding these issues and your travel plans.

Lyle M. Back, MD
Cherry Hill Plastic Surgeon

What is the healing time for periareolar incision vs inframammary?

September 15th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thank you for your question.  Healing time is the same for breast augmentation with either the periareolar or inframammary crease incision.What you should understand is that the risk of capsular contracture or hardening of the breast implant is greater when the periareolar incision is used.  When the incision is placed through the areola bacteria present in the breast gland are exposed to the implant and as a result there is an increased chance of hardening of the implant or capsular contracture.

Web reference: http://www.bostonplasticsurgeryspecialists.com/services/breast-surgery/breast-augmentation/

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS
September 15th, 2016

What is the healing time for periareolar incision vs inframammary?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thank you for your question.  Healing time is the same for breast augmentation with either the periareolar or inframammary crease incision.What you should understand is that the risk of capsular contracture or hardening of the breast implant is greater when the periareolar incision is used.  When the incision is placed through the areola bacteria present in the breast gland are exposed to the implant and as a result there is an increased chance of hardening of the implant or capsular contracture.

Learn more: http://www.bostonplasticsurgeryspecialists.com/services/breast-surgery/breast-augmentation/

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS

Transaxillary endoscopic is more modern

September 13th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
The most sophisticated approach to breast augmentation is through the armpit with a surgical camera (transaxillary endoscopic).  Using this modern approach the space can be crafted under direct vision, with virtually no bleeding and no postoperative bruising.  Most importantly, the shape of the breast is meticulously created.   The other, older methods of insertion are technologically less advanced.  Both silicone and saline implants can be placed through the armpit by a surgeon with skill and experience using this approach.  The incision in the crease is the oldest method of placing the implants and puts a scar directly on the breast.

Web reference: http://www.plasticsurgery-sanantonio.com/breast/breast-augmentation/

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS
September 13th, 2016

Transaxillary endoscopic is more modern

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
The most sophisticated approach to breast augmentation is through the armpit with a surgical camera (transaxillary endoscopic).  Using this modern approach the space can be crafted under direct vision, with virtually no bleeding and no postoperative bruising.  Most importantly, the shape of the breast is meticulously created.   The other, older methods of insertion are technologically less advanced.  Both silicone and saline implants can be placed through the armpit by a surgeon with skill and experience using this approach.  The incision in the crease is the oldest method of placing the implants and puts a scar directly on the breast.

Learn more: http://www.plasticsurgery-sanantonio.com/breast/breast-augmentation/

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS

Recovery after BA

September 13th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Hi and thanks for posting your question!Both IMF and periareolar incisions heal at the same rate. Your travel arrangements should allow for plenty of time to recover after your operation. 
Best wishes
Rachel Streu, MD
September 13th, 2016

Recovery after BA

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Hi and thanks for posting your question!Both IMF and periareolar incisions heal at the same rate. Your travel arrangements should allow for plenty of time to recover after your operation. 
Best wishes
Rachel Streu, MD

Breast Augmentation Incision Recovery Time

September 12th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Hello,
Your incision should be long healed by then, though I advise my patients not to tan their scars for at least a year as this can cause permanent darkening. Talk with your Plastic Surgeon about expectations for healing.
All the best

Web reference: http://edelsteincosmetic.com/learning-centre/things-you-should-know-about-breast-augmentation-recovery-time/

Jerome Edelstein, MD
September 12th, 2016

Breast Augmentation Incision Recovery Time

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Hello,
Your incision should be long healed by then, though I advise my patients not to tan their scars for at least a year as this can cause permanent darkening. Talk with your Plastic Surgeon about expectations for healing.
All the best

Learn more: http://edelsteincosmetic.com/learning-centre/things-you-should-know-about-breast-augmentation-recovery-time/

Jerome Edelstein, MD

Breast augmentation - healing time for different incisions

September 12th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thank you for asking about your breast augmentation.
  • Your healing of the incisions will be essentially the same for inframammary and peri-areolar incisions.
  • Both should have 90%of their final strength in 6 weeks - before you head to Mexico!
Always see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best wishes  - Elizabeth Morgan MD PHD FACS
Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD
September 12th, 2016

Breast augmentation - healing time for different incisions

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thank you for asking about your breast augmentation.
  • Your healing of the incisions will be essentially the same for inframammary and peri-areolar incisions.
  • Both should have 90%of their final strength in 6 weeks - before you head to Mexico!
Always see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best wishes  - Elizabeth Morgan MD PHD FACS
Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD

Recovery after periareolar versus IMF

September 12th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
The actual recovery from either approach is the same. The decision of one over the other has to do with many factors, including surgeon experience, rates of altered nipple sensibility, capsular contracture rates,size of the implant being considered, and baseline breast anatomy. Typically, most surgeons in this country use an IMF incision. Studies have shown that there is a lower chance of altered nipple sensibility and capsular contraction rates with the IMF approach. Also, in the event that another procedure is required for any reason, the surgeon can usually go back through the same scar as opposed to creating a second scar if a previous periareolar approach was used. I recommend being seen by a board certified plastic surgeon who performs many breast and body procedures to examine you and discuss your goals and objectives.Best wishes,Dr, Ravi Somayazula

Web reference: http://www.bodybyravi.com/before-after-photos-houston/breast-augmentation/

Ravi Somayazula, DO
September 12th, 2016

Recovery after periareolar versus IMF

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
The actual recovery from either approach is the same. The decision of one over the other has to do with many factors, including surgeon experience, rates of altered nipple sensibility, capsular contracture rates,size of the implant being considered, and baseline breast anatomy. Typically, most surgeons in this country use an IMF incision. Studies have shown that there is a lower chance of altered nipple sensibility and capsular contraction rates with the IMF approach. Also, in the event that another procedure is required for any reason, the surgeon can usually go back through the same scar as opposed to creating a second scar if a previous periareolar approach was used. I recommend being seen by a board certified plastic surgeon who performs many breast and body procedures to examine you and discuss your goals and objectives.Best wishes,Dr, Ravi Somayazula

Learn more: http://www.bodybyravi.com/before-after-photos-houston/breast-augmentation/

Ravi Somayazula, DO

Healing time for periareolar -vs- inframammary incision?

September 12th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Thank you for your question. The healing time for any breast augmentation approach is not really different depending upon incision placement. The recovery following sub-muscular placement is usually longer than for sub-glandular (on top of the muscle). Also, larger volume implants require more tissue stretching than smaller sizes, which can mean a somewhat longer recovery. Your plastic surgeon can give you a realistic expectation regarding post-operative recovery based on his/her experience.

Michael F. Bohley, MD
September 12th, 2016

Healing time for periareolar -vs- inframammary incision?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Thank you for your question. The healing time for any breast augmentation approach is not really different depending upon incision placement. The recovery following sub-muscular placement is usually longer than for sub-glandular (on top of the muscle). Also, larger volume implants require more tissue stretching than smaller sizes, which can mean a somewhat longer recovery. Your plastic surgeon can give you a realistic expectation regarding post-operative recovery based on his/her experience.

Michael F. Bohley, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.