Let’s face it, no one likes scars – especially when they’re visible. Occasionally they regale an outrageous story, but at the end of the day most of us would rather they were not there. That said, when considering getting a breast augmentation, many fear the scar that could ensue as a result of the surgery.
We’re here to tell you up front that no surgery involving the kind of incision required in a breast augmentation will be without a mark. But that’s not to say it will be a massively noticeable gash on your chest! In fact, when done right, the scar is really the last thing that people see (if they even see it at all).
At this point you’re probably wondering whether there is an optimal place for an incision during your breast augmentation surgery. We’ll discuss that now.
Incision location will be dependent on your unique body.
The best place for your incision
To begin, there is no one place that is best for everyone – it will vary. Surgeons use four common incision locations during these procedures.
- Inframammary: This is found beneath the breast.
- Periareolar: Here, the incision is made around the areola.
- Axillary: This goes under the armpit.
- Umbical: Believe it or not, doctors can go through the stomach.
A specialised surgeon should be able to perform the surgery from all of these locations. Procedures and incision locations can differ as no two bodies are the same! If a doctor insists there is one single best place to incise, they are wrong. The muscle tissue and location of nerves and blood vessels in your chest are unique and it should not be assumed they are identical to others.
Your recovery time and the success of the breast augmentation will depend on the doctor’s ability to identify the type of tissue you have and where is best to place the implant. The most important part about the incision location is how much control it gives your surgeon. You might have an idea of where the incision goes, but if your doctor thinks there could be a better approach, that’s the one you should go with. You can ask your surgeon for before and after pictures to see what you can expect from their work.
How bad is the scarring?
As we’ve discussed, the scarring will typically be minimal. If your surgeon operates in the right place your body will mend better, making the incision less noticeable.
If you want less damage, you’ll want a longer incision.
You might also be under the impression that a smaller incision will be less obvious once healed – this is not true. An experienced surgeon will tell you that a short incision forces the skin to stretch in order to properly put the implant in. If you want less damage, you’ll want a longer incision.
To find out the incision location best for you, you’ll need to have a consultation with your specialist. Of course, if you have any more questions about this or any other aspects of the breast augmentation surgery process, feel free to contact us today!
