Breast Implants and Incisions - The Different Types

There are a number of questions to ask when considering surgery to enhance your figure with elective cosmetic breast implants. Important questions such as: 

- How big is too big? How can I tell what is the right size for me?

- What is the difference between saline and silicone? Is silicone really that bad for you?

- How long will it take to heal? Can I wear my new bikini right away? 

- Will anyone be able to tell? How can I keep it a secret?

One of the best answers to the last question and keeping your breast implants as a secret between you and your plastic surgeon depends on the type of incisions your surgeon decides to use. He or she will usually consult with you and outline a few different approaches in order to get the right look and feel for the saline or silicone implant within the chest wall. 

Placing an incision under the breast flap along the natural fold and curve of the breast is by far the most common incision used in breast implants elective cosmetic surgery today. Many women prefer this type of incision because it is well-hidden once the implant is placed and the bulk of the breast lies over the receding scar tissue. This location for an incision is also less prone to infection or other complications of healing. 

Another type of incision that is popular with breast implants involves delicate severing of tissue and nerves in a circle around the areola. Due to the size, shape and color of a woman’s areola, this type of incision may look extremely natural once the healing is complete and the scar tissue fades. However, it can cause permanent or temporary decrease in sensation. This is often important to women who are interested in breastfeeding at some point in their lives.

Another incision that is popular with saline breast implants is in the armpit and is called a transaxillary incision. This location can be used to make an extremely tiny incision and place a deflated saline implant within the very small hole. The implant casing is then filled with saline and adjusted within the chest wall in order to achieve the most natural look and feel. 

In the end, the decision about which type of incision you will use for your elective cosmetic surgery rests with you and your plastic surgeon. He or she should be able to answer any questions you may have about each and suggest the most ideal incision based on your body type and the goals of your augmentation surgery.