Breast Augmentation Procedure
The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure each patient feels comfortable throughout the augmentation. The surgeon will then make an incision in one of three places, which will be predetermined by each patient’s surgeon at their consultation.
After making the incision, the surgeon will create a pocket to place the implants in. This pocket can either be placed beneath or above the pectoral muscle. When placed below the muscle, this is referred to as submuscular placement, and when the implant is placed above, it is referred to as subglandular placement. Once the pocket is created, they will place the implants. The surgeon will then carefully close the incisions.
Incision placements include:
Periareolar
Periareolar incisions are made around the lower border of the areola. This incision can additionally be used to help reduce the size of enlarged or stretched areolas.
Inframammary Crease
The inframammary crease refers to the lower crease underneath the breast. This incision placement is ideal for minimizing the visibility of scars.
Periumbilical
This incision placement, known as the TUBA method, is made at the navel. Periumbilical incisions leave no scarring on the breast and preserve each patient’s ability to breastfeed. However, this incision placement can only be used for saline implants. (4)
Axillary
Axillary, also known as the transaxillary or armpit incision, is placed in the folds of the armpit. This incision placement hides any scarring under the arms.
This procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting with IV sedation and local anesthesia.
