What Is The Best Incision For A Breast Augmentation?

I am asked all the time, “What is the best incision for a breast augmentation?” I use all the incisions available… armpit, breast, and nipple… but have recently found my patients want a hidden incision under the armpit. This is called the transaxillary incision. Very few surgeons are trained in this technique. I was trained to do this technique by the best. My patients find it advantageous to have a minimal incision in the armpit, and after several weeks it fades.

Placing a breast implant under the muscle through a small incision in the armpit is a great choice for many reasons: First, there are no scars on the breast, just a thin scar in the armpit which fades to nearly invisible. Additionally, when an implant is placed under the muscle, you retain natural breast shape, there is no implant visibility, there’s a lower risk of capsular contracture (hardening) and less mammography interference than you would get with an implant placed over the muscle. I sometimes will use the endoscope to perform the procedure to keep the incision small and give me access to release the muscle for the best result.

The best candidates are those who have minimal breast tissue, are thin, and have no ptosis (drooping) to their breasts. For patients who have a very small nipple and areola complex and want the incision off the breast, the armpit is ideal.

For more information or to schedule a consult, please contact Shelley Hirschman, my Patient Care Coordinator, at (310) 659-8771, or email her at [email protected].